Image processing apparatus, camera apparatus, and output control method

ABSTRACT

There is provided an image processing apparatus connected to a camera head capable of imaging a left eye image and a right eye image having parallax on one screen based on light at a target site incident on an optical instrument, the apparatus including: an image processor that performs signal processing of the left eye image and the right eye image imaged by the camera head; and an output controller that outputs the left eye image and the right eye image on which the signal processing is performed to a monitor via each of a first channel and a second channel, in which the output controller outputs one of the left eye image and the right eye image on which the signal processing is performed to the monitor via each of the first channel and the second channel in accordance with switching from a 3D mode to a 2D mode.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus, acamera apparatus, and an output control method for processing a capturedimage obtained during a medical action, for example.

2. Description of the Related Art

For example, in microscopic surgery in which a microscope for surgery isused while observing a fine surgical target site (such as an affectedpart of a human body) or an endoscopic surgical operation in which anendoscope is used while observing a surgical target site in the body, anobservation image including the surgical target site is imaged anddisplayed on a monitor. By displaying the observation image on themonitor, it is possible to easily and finely recognize the surgicaltarget site, and it is possible for a plurality of persons involved insurgery to observe the details of the site, and it is possible to graspthe situation in real time while observing an image of the surgicalsite.

As a related art of the kind of camera apparatus, for example, astereoscopic endoscope apparatus of Japanese Patent UnexaminedPublication No. 2011-206425 (PTL 1) is known. In the stereoscopicendoscope apparatus, an endoscope acquires a wide-angle side capturedimage (2D image), a stereoscopic viewing image (3D image) and anavigation image (whole image), a 3D image is displayed at a part of a2D image, and the display region of the 3D image is controlled.Accordingly, it is possible to alleviate fatigue or tension of thereference person of the image.

In the above-described medical camera system, in order to ensure a clearfield of view of a target site at which surgery or treatment isperformed, a display video with high definition and excellent visibilityis desired. In addition, since the size or state of an observationtarget can be grasped more accurately and easily by stereoscopic viewingof a target site, there is an increasing demand for a 3D video thatprovides a stereoscopic observed video to the observer. Particularly, ina surgical application of a fine site, a high-definition 3D video isrequired, but in the related art, such as PTL 1, there was a problemthat it is difficult to visually recognize the details of the observedvideo clearly. In addition, in order to generate a high-definition 3Dvideo required in the medical field, it is necessary to use twodifferent cameras for imaging an image for a left eye (hereinafterreferred to as “left eye image”) and an image for a right eye(hereinafter referred to as “right eye image”) which have parallax.

Further, for example, in the medical camera system, when a display modeis switched such that the 2D video is displayed from a state where the3D video is displayed, it is required that the display of video issmoothly switched such that a doctor or the like continuously grasps thedetails of the situation of the target site (for example, an affectedpart of a human body). However, in reality, due to factors, such as thefollowing, delay time (that is, non-display time of the video) in unitsof several seconds occurs when switching from the display of the 3Dvideo to the display of the 2D video, and there was a case where it isdifficult to grasp the details of the situation of the target site (forexample, the affected part of the human body) for a certain period oftime or more. Specifically, in order to switch from the 3D mode of thevideo to the 2D mode, an operation for changing the display mode on themonitor side from the 3D mode to the 2D mode was necessary. Since theoperation is usually performed by a person, it takes a certain period oftime, and in accordance with the transmission format of the 3D video,for example, a delay time (that is, non-display time of the video) inunits of several seconds has occurred. Therefore, there was a case whereit is difficult to grasp the details of the situation of the target site(for example, the affected part of the human body) for a certain periodof time or more, and the convenience of the user (for example, anobserver, such as a doctor) is impaired. Factors to switch from thedisplay of the 3D video to the display of the 2D video are, for example,that the eyes become tired when viewing the 3D video for a long timeduring surgery or examination, that the details of the affected partthat can be sufficiently grasped by the 2D video without the 3D videoduring surgery or examination is desired to be seen, and that it isdesired to change the setting to 2D rather than 3D after surgery orexamination. Even with the related art as in PTL 1, in a case ofswitching from the display of the 3D video to the display of the 2Dvideo, it is still necessary to perform an operation for changing thedisplay mode on the monitor side from the 3D mode to the 2D mode, andthere is no consideration for technical measures against the problem ofimpairing the convenience of the user (for example, an observer, such asa doctor) described above.

SUMMARY

In view of the above-described conventional circumstances, thedisclosure provides an image processing apparatus, a camera apparatus,and an output control method for suppressing the deterioration of theconvenience of the user generated in accordance with the switching fromthe display of the 3D video to the display of the 2D video and theswitching of the display mode of the video in a state of maintaining thedisplay mode of the 3D video without performing an operation forchanging the display mode on the monitor side from the 3D mode to the 2Dmode.

The disclosure provides an image processing apparatus which is connectedto a camera head capable of imaging a left eye image and a right eyeimage having parallax on one screen based on light at a target siteincident on an optical instrument, the apparatus including: an imageprocessor that performs signal processing of the left eye image and theright eye image which are imaged by the camera head; and an outputcontroller that outputs the left eye image and the right eye image onwhich the signal processing is performed to a monitor via each of afirst channel and a second channel, in which the output controlleroutputs one of the left eye image and the right eye image on which thesignal processing is performed to the monitor via each of the firstchannel and the second channel in accordance with switching from a 3Dmode to a 2D mode.

In addition, the disclosure provides a camera apparatus including: acamera head capable of imaging a left eye image and a right eye imagehaving parallax on one screen based on light at a target site incidenton an optical instrument; an image processor that performs signalprocessing of the left eye image and the right eye image which areimaged by the camera head; and an output controller that outputs theleft eye image and the right eye image on which the signal processing isperformed to a monitor via each of a first channel and a second channel,in which the output controller outputs one of the left eye image and theright eye image on which the signal processing is performed to themonitor via each of the first channel and the second channel inaccordance with switching from a 3D mode to a 2D mode.

In addition, the disclosure provides an output control method in whichan image processing apparatus which is connected to a camera headcapable of imaging a left eye image and a right eye image havingparallax on one screen based on light at a target site incident on anoptical instrument is used, the method including: performing signalprocessing of the left eye image and the right eye image which areimaged by the camera head; and outputting the left eye image and theright eye image on which the signal processing is performed to a monitorvia each of a first channel and a second channel; and outputting one ofthe left eye image and the right eye image on which the signalprocessing is performed to the monitor via each of the first channel andthe second channel in accordance with switching from a 3D mode to a 2Dmode.

The disclosure can suppress the deterioration of the convenience of theuser generated in accordance with the switching from the display of the3D video to the display of the 2D video and the switching of the displaymode of the video in a state of maintaining the display mode of the 3Dvideo without performing an operation for changing the display mode onthe monitor side from the 3D mode to the 2D mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system configuration view illustrating a configurationexample in which a medical camera system including a camera apparatus ofeach embodiment is applied to a surgical microscope system;

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an external appearance example of thesurgical microscope system of each of the embodiments;

FIG. 3A is a view illustrating an external appearance example of a frontside of a camera head and a CCU of the camera apparatus of each of theembodiments;

FIG. 3B is a view illustrating an external appearance example of a rearside of the CCU of the camera apparatus of each of the embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configurationexample at the time of imaging a 2D video in the camera apparatus ofeach of the embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configurationexample at the time of imaging a 3D video in the camera apparatus ofeach of the embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configurationexample of an image processor of the camera apparatus of Embodiment 1;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view illustrating a schematic example of ageneration operation of the 2D video in each of the embodiments;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view illustrating a schematic example of ageneration operation of the 3D video in each of the embodiments;

FIG. 9A is an explanatory view of one example of extraction positions ofa left eye image and a right eye image under an ideal observationoptical system;

FIG. 9B is an explanatory view of a first example of default extractionpositions of a left eye image and a right eye image under a realisticobservation optical system;

FIG. 9C is an explanatory view of an adjustment example of theextraction position based on an operation of a user with respect to animaging region of the left eye image and the right eye image illustratedin FIG. 9B;

FIG. 9D is an explanatory view of a second example of default extractionpositions of a left eye image and a right eye image under the realisticobservation optical system;

FIG. 9E is an explanatory view of the adjustment example of theextraction position based on the operation of the user with respect tothe imaging region of the left eye image and the right eye imageillustrated in FIG. 9D;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a first example of a functionalconfiguration of an image processor of a camera apparatus of Embodiment2;

FIG. 11A is an explanatory view illustrating an adjustment example of aphotometric area of automatic exposure with respect to a first subjectin accordance with switching from a 2D mode to a 3D mode;

FIG. 11B is an explanatory view illustrating an adjustment example of aphotometric area of automatic exposure with respect to a second subjectin accordance with switching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode;

FIG. 11C is an explanatory view illustrating an adjustment example of aphotometric area of automatic exposure with respect to a third subjectin accordance with switching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode;

FIG. 11D is an explanatory view illustrating an adjustment example of aphotometric area of automatic exposure with respect to a fourth subjectin accordance with switching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for describing an operational procedure exampleof the camera apparatus of Embodiment 2;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for describing an operational procedure exampleat the time of interruption processing of mode switching;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a second example of thefunctional configuration of the image processor of the camera apparatusof Embodiment 2;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view illustrating an adjustment example of atarget area of WB with respect to the subject in accordance withswitching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configurationexample of an image processor of a camera apparatus of Embodiment 3;

FIG. 17A is an explanatory view illustrating a transmission example ofthe left eye image and the right eye image in the 3D mode;

FIG. 17B is an explanatory view illustrating a transmission example ofthe left eye image and the right eye image after switching from the 3Dmode to the 2D mode;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for describing an operational procedure exampleof the camera apparatus of Embodiment 3;

FIG. 19 is a system configuration view illustrating a configurationexample in which the medical camera system including the cameraapparatus of each of the embodiments is applied to a surgical endoscopesystem;

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating an external appearance example of thesurgical endoscope system of each of the embodiments;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configurationexample of an image processor of a camera apparatus of Embodiment 4;

FIG. 22 is illustrating each of an arrangement example of an objectivelens for a left eye image and an objective lens for a right eye imageand an example of a marker designated on the 3D image displayed on amonitor;

FIG. 23 is an explanatory view of parallax appearing in the left eyeimage and the right eye image in accordance with the position of adesignated marker; and

FIG. 24 is an explanatory view illustrating a display example of adistance from a distal end of a surgical endoscope to the subject.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Background of Contents of Embodiment 1

In the above-described medical camera system, in order to ensure a clearfield of view of a target site at which surgery or treatment isperformed, a display video with high definition and excellent visibilityis desired. In addition, since the size or state of an observationtarget can be grasped more accurately and easily by stereoscopic viewingof a target site, there is an increasing demand for a 3D video thatprovides a stereoscopic observed video to the observer. Particularly, ina surgical application of a fine site, a high-definition 3D video isrequired, but in the related art, such as PTL 1, there was a problemthat it is difficult to visually recognize the details of the observedvideo clearly. In addition, in order to generate a high-definition 3Dvideo required in the medical field, it is necessary to use twodifferent cameras for imaging an image for a left eye (left eye image)and an image for a right eye (right eye image) which have parallax.

In addition, in order to display a highly accurate 3D video on amonitor, it is necessary to generate the left eye image and the righteye image which configure the 3D video with high accuracy. However, itis not always easy to generate the highly accurate left eye image andright eye image due to the design of an actual imaging optical system.For example, due to the positioning (for example, whether lenses aredisposed in parallel or the like) of each of a left eye lens for imagingthe left eye image and a right eye lens of the right eye image, ormanufacturing variations of the lens itself there is a case where it isdifficult to generate the highly accurate left eye image and the righteye image. It is practically difficult to completely eliminate thecauses of such positioning and manufacturing variations. In the relatedart disclosed in the above-described PTL 1, in a case where the left eyelens and the right eye lens are not appropriately disposed due topositioning or manufacturing variations, the image quality of a part ofthe left eye image and the right eye image deteriorates and influencesthe image quality of the 3D video, and it is difficult to grasp thedetailed target site (for example, an affected part) for an observer.

Here, in the following Embodiment 1, in consideration of theabove-described situation of the related art, an example of an imageprocessing apparatus, a camera apparatus, and an image processing methodwhich can electronically extract a part with excellent image qualityfrom each of the left eye image and the right eye image which configurethe 3D video by a simple user operation, and images and outputs ahigh-definition 3D video with one camera, will be described.

Embodiment 1

Hereinafter, each of the embodiments specifically disclosing the imageprocessing apparatus, the camera apparatus, and the image processingmethod according to the disclosure will be appropriately described indetail with reference to the drawings. However, there is a case wheredescription detailed more than necessary is omitted. For example, thereis a case where detailed descriptions of already well-known matters andredundant descriptions on substantially the same configuration isomitted. This is to avoid the unnecessary redundancy of the followingdescription and to make it easy to understand the disclosure for thoseskilled in the art. In addition, the attached drawings and the followingdescription are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fullyunderstand the disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subjectmatter described in the claims.

In addition, in each of the following embodiments, a configurationexample of a medical camera system including the image processingapparatus or the camera apparatus according to each of the embodimentswill be described. As a specific application example of each of theembodiments, the configuration of the camera apparatus in the surgicalmicroscope system will be exemplified. However, the embodiments of thecamera apparatus according to the disclosure are not limited to thecontents of each of the embodiments which will described later.

The camera apparatus according to each of the embodiments is configuredto be capable of imaging and outputting, for example, an observed video(hereinafter, referred to as “2D video”) capable of planar viewing of 4Kresolution (that is, for example, “2160 pixels×3840 pixels” thatcorresponds to 4K pixels, for example) and an observed video(hereinafter, referred to as “3D video”) capable of stereoscopic viewingof full high definition (FHD) resolution (that is, for example, “1080pixels×1920 pixels” that corresponds to 2K pixels), as a high-definitionobserved video. In addition, the resolution equivalent to full highvision (FHD) is referred to as “2K pixels”.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration view illustrating a configurationexample in which a medical camera system including a camera apparatus ofeach of the embodiments is applied to a surgical microscope system. Thesurgical microscope system includes surgical microscope 10 (an exampleof an optical instrument), camera apparatus 20, and monitor 30. Cameraapparatus 20 includes: camera head 21 for imaging an observed image of atarget site obtained by surgical microscope 10; and camera control unit(CCU) 22 for performing signal processing of the observed video imagedby controlling camera head 21. In camera apparatus 20, camera head 21and CCU 22 are connected to each other by signal cable 25. Camera head21 is installed in camera installer 15 of surgical microscope 10 andconnected thereto. Monitor 30 for displaying the observed video isconnected to an output terminal of CCU 22.

Surgical microscope 10 is a binocular microscope and includes objectivelens 11, observation optical system 12 provided so as to correspond tothe left and right eyes of the observer, eyepiece portion 13, opticalsystem 14 for camera imaging, and camera installer 15. Observationoptical system 12 includes zoom optical systems 101R and 101L, imageforming lenses 102R and 102L, and eyepiece lenses 103R and 103L so as tocorrespond to the left and right eyes of the observer. Zoom opticalsystems 101R and 101L, image forming lenses 102R and 102L, and eyepiecelenses 103R and 103L are respectively disposed with an optical axis ofobjective lens 11 therebetween. Light from the subject (for example,light from the observation target site) becomes incident on theobjective lens 11, and then guides the left and right observed imageshaving parallax through zoom optical systems 101R and 101L, imaginglenses 102R and 102L, and eyepiece lenses 103R and 103L, to eyepieceportion 13. The observer can visually recognize subject 40 at theobservation target site stereographically by looking at eyepiece portion13 with both eyes.

Camera imaging optical system 14 includes beam splitters 104R and 104Land mirrors 105R and 105L. Camera imaging optical system 14 deflects andseparates the lights of the left and right observed images which passesthrough observation optical system 12 by beam splitters 104R and 104L,reflects left and right observed images by mirrors 105R and 105L, andguides the left and right observed images having parallax to camerainstaller 15. By installing and imaging camera head 21 of cameraapparatus 20 to camera installer 15, camera apparatus 20 can acquire anobserved video capable of stereoscopic viewing for 3D display.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an external appearance example of thesurgical microscope system of each of the embodiments. Surgicalmicroscope 10 includes eyepiece 13 at the top of the microscope mainbody, a housing of camera imaging optical system 14 extends to the sidefrom a base end portion of eyepiece 13, camera installer 15 is provided.Camera installer 15 opens upward and is formed such that imaging lensportion 23 of camera head 21 can be installed thereto. Imaging lensportion 23 is attachable to and detachable from the main body of camerahead 21 and can be exchanged, and is configured so that an imagingoptical system having different optical characteristics can be useddepending on the application. Camera head 21 is configured with athree-plate type capture having, for example, a spectral prism thatseparates a subject image into each color of red green blue (RGB) andthree image sensors that respectively image subject images of each colorof RGB. In addition, a single plate type capture having one image sensormay be used.

The surgical microscope system includes light source device 31 forilluminating a target site, recorder 32 for recording the observed videoimaged by camera apparatus 20, operation unit 33 for operating thesurgical microscope system, and foot switch 37 by which the observerperforms an operation input with a foot. Operation unit 33, CCU 22 (oneexample of the image processing apparatus), light source device 31, andrecorder 32 are stored in control unit housing 35. Monitor 30 isdisposed in the vicinity of control unit housing 35. Surgical microscope10 is attached to displaceable support arm 34 and is linked to controlunit housing 35 via support arm 34.

FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B) are views illustrating the external appearanceconfiguration of the camera apparatus of each of the embodiments. FIG.3A is a view illustrating an external appearance example of a front sideof the camera head and the CCU of the camera apparatus of each of theembodiments. FIG. 3B is a view illustrating an external appearanceexample of a rear side of the CCU of the camera apparatus of each of theembodiments. Camera head 21 is connected to the rear surface of thehousing of CCU 22 via signal cable 25. Camera head 21 is configured tobe capable of imaging a high-definition observed video, and imaging theleft eye image and the right eye image which have parallax on onescreen, for example, by a three-plate type or a single-plate typecapture, in a case of imaging the 3D video.

On front panel 221, CCU 22 is provided with power switch 222, profileselection switch 223, menu switch 224, page changeover switch 225,upward-and-downward and leftward-and-rightward movement switches 226,selection switch 227, and image quality adjustment switch 228. On rearsurface panel 241, CCU 22 has camera terminal 242, serial digitalinterface (SDI) video output terminals 243 and 244, HDMI (registeredtrademark) (high-definition multimedia interface) video output terminals245 and 246, foot switch terminal 247, mode switch 248, and DC powerinput terminal 249.

CCU 22 (one example of the image processing apparatus) can output the 2Dvideo of 4K pixels or the 3D video of 2K pixels by switching modes.Profile selection switch 223 is a switch for selecting a preset profilein which the mode of CCU 22 is set. A profile is a set value of aparameter related to display of a video displayed on monitors 30 and 130(refer to the description below), for example, and is provided for eachuser. The switching setting between a mode in which the 2D video can beoutput (hereinafter, referred to as “2D mode”) and a mode in which the3D video can be output (hereinafter, referred to as “3D mode”) ispossible, for example, by selecting the profile by profile selectionswitch 223, selecting the mode by menu switch 224 and selection switch227, or setting the mode by mode switch 248 on the rear surface, by theoperation of the user, such as an observer.

SDI video output terminals 243 and 244 correspond to the outputterminals of two systems of channel CH1 (one example of a first channel)and channel CH2 (one example of a second channel) that correspond to the3G-SDI standard. SDI video output terminal 243 of channel CH1 has fourterminals and can output both 4K video and FHD video. SDI video outputterminal 244 of channel CH2 is capable of outputting the FHD video. HDMI(registered trademark) video output terminals 245 and 246 correspond tothe output terminals of two systems of channel CH1 (one example of thefirst channel) and channel CH2 (one example of the second channel). HDMI(registered trademark) video output terminal 245 of the channel CH1corresponds to the HDMI (registered trademark) 2.0 standard and canoutput both 4K video and FHD video. HDMI (registered trademark) videooutput terminal 246 of channel CH2 corresponds to the HDMI (registeredtrademark) 1.4 standard and can output the FHD video. In addition, thevideo output terminal may be configured to be capable of outputting boththe 4K video and the FHD video at any of the output terminals of the twosystems. Further, the form and the number of the video output terminalsare not limited to that illustrated in the drawing, and the disclosureis equally applicable even when corresponding to other standards.

Signal cable 25 of camera head 21 is connected to camera terminal 242.Monitor 30 is connected to at least one of SDI video output terminals243 and 244 and HDMI (registered trademark) video output terminals 245and 246 via a video signal cable (not illustrated). A power supplydevice for supplying DC power via a power cable (not illustrated) isconnected to DC power input terminal 249. Foot switch 37 is connected tofoot switch terminal 247.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configurationexample at the time of imaging the 2D video in the camera apparatus ofeach of the embodiments. In a case of imaging the 2D video of 4K pixelsby camera apparatus 20, for example, in a state where monocular lens 211for forming a subject image is installed in imaging lens portion 23 ofcamera head 21, camera head 21 is attached to camera installer 15 ofsurgical microscope 10. The light from subject 40 passes through lens211 and forms an image on the imaging surface of the three image sensorsof three-plate type capture 213, and the RGB subject image is imaged. Inother words, camera head 21 includes capture 213 which images theobserved image from surgical microscope 10 and obtains thehigh-definition observed video of high definition (for example, 2Kpixels). Capture 213 is capable of acquiring a high-definition capturedimage and is configured with a three-plate FHD image sensor that imagesa video of 2 K pixels in each color of RGB. The FHD image sensor isconfigured with an imaging element, such as a charged-coupled device(CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). In addition,in a case of using a single plate type capture, the capture may beconfigured with a 4K image sensor capable of imaging a video of 4Kpixels and a color filter. The video signal of the imaged video of thesubject imaged by camera head 21 is transmitted to CCU 22 via signalcable 25.

CCU 22 (one example of the image processing apparatus) includes: imageprocessor 261 including a signal processing circuit that processes avideo signal imaged by camera head 21; and central processing unit (CPU)262 (one example of the processor) that configures the controller thatperforms setting mode related to the operations of image processor 261and capture 213 and control of each operation. Image processor 261 isconfigured using, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA),and can set and change the circuit configuration and operation by aprogram. Image processor 261 generates high-definition (here, 4Kresolution) 2D video (2D video of 4K) from the 2K video R, G, and B (4Kvideo R, G, and B) of each color of R, G, and B transmitted from camerahead 21, and outputs the 2D video to monitor 30 as a video output.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configurationexample at the time of imaging the 3D video in the camera apparatus ofeach of the embodiments. In a case of imaging the 3D video of 2 K pixels(that is, 2K left parallax video and 2K right parallax video) by cameraapparatus 20, for example, in a state where binocular lens 212 whichforms each of left and right subject images having parallax is installedin imaging lens portion 23 of camera head 21, camera head 21 is attachedto camera installer 15 of surgical microscope 10. In addition, it ispossible to image a video of the subject having left and right parallaxusing the monocular lens. The light from object 40 passes through lens212 and forms left and right images adjacent to each other respectivelyon the imaging surfaces of three image sensors of three-plate typecapture 213 as two left and right subjects having parallax, and thesubject image of the left and right RGB subject images for 3D video areimaged. In other words, camera head 21 includes capture 213 which imagesleft and right observed images having parallax from surgical microscope10 and obtains a high definition (for example, 2K pixels) observed videoincluding left and right parallax video on one screen. The video signalfor 3D video of the subject imaged by camera head 21 is transmitted toCCU 22 via signal cable 25.

In addition, in a case of imaging a 3D video with camera head 21,instead of exchanging the lens of imaging lens portion 23 for 2D to 3D,an adapter may be provided in camera installer 15 of surgical microscope10, and the optical system of the adapter may be exchanged for 2D to 3Dand used. Otherwise, the optical instrument itself, such as surgicalmicroscope 10 which connects camera head 21 is replaced and used, the 2Dvideo is imaged by installing the optical instrument in the instrumenthaving an observation optical system for 2D, and the 3D video can alsobe imaged by installing the optical instrument in the instrument havingthe observation optical system for 3D.

Image processor 261 of CCU 22 generates the high-definition (forexample, 2K image) 3D video from left and right 2K video R, G, and B(specifically, the 3D left and 3D right 2K video R, G, and B) for 3Ddisplay of each of RGB colors transmitted from camera head 21, andoutputs the 3D video as two left and right video outputs 1 and 2 for 3Ddisplay to monitor 30. Details of the configuration and operation ofimage processor 261 for generating 2D video of 4K pixels or 3D video of2K pixels will be described later. In a case of performing stereoscopicviewing of the observed video, for example, in a state where theobserver wears 3D observation glasses, the 3D video is displayed onmonitor 30 such that the left parallax video and the right parallaxvideo can be observed with respective eyes.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configurationexample of image processor 261 of camera apparatus 20 of Embodiment 1.The image processor 261 includes 4K video processor 264, 2K leftparallax video extractor 265, 2K right parallax video extractor 266, andvideo output switchers 267 and 268. In addition, when frame buffer FB1(memory) and set value storage 262M are provided in CCU 22, frame bufferFB1 (memory) and set value storage 262M may be provided either on theinside or on the outside of image processor 261.

4K video processor 264 inputs the 2K video R, G, and B of each color ofR, G, and B imaged by three-plate camera head 21 as the resolutionenhancement processing of the imaged video, and generates the video of4K pixels. 4K video processor 264 saves the generated video of 4K pixelsin frame buffer FB1 and outputs the video to the video output switchers267 and 268. In addition, frame buffer FB1 outputs the 2K left parallaxvideo and the 2K right parallax video which are extracted from the savedvideo of 4K pixels by a control signal extracted from 2K left parallaxvideo extractor 265 and 2K right parallax video extractor 266, to eachof video output switchers 267 and 268, respectively. In addition, theextraction of each of the 2K left parallax video and the 2K rightparallax video from the saved video of 4K pixels, is performed similarto 2K left parallax video extractor 265 and 2K right parallax videoextractor 266. As a method of 4K visualization, for example, a known“pixel shifting” processing is used. For each pixel of the 2K image G,4K video processor 264 performs processing of shifting pixels of 2Kvideo R and 2K video B by ½ in a horizontal and vertical directions, andgenerates a color video of 4K pixels. In a case of imaging the 2D videoof 4K pixels, 4K video of 2D color is generated from the 2K video R, G,and B for 2D display. In a case of capturing the 3D video of 2K pixels,the 4K video (3D left parallax video and 3D right parallax video)including the left and right parallax videos of 2K pixels from theimaged 2K videos R, G, and B for the left eye and the right eye for 3Ddisplay which are left and right adjacent to each other in an imagesensor, is generated. In addition, in a case of using a single-platetype capture, the 4K video processor 264 is not provided in imageprocessor 261, and the video signal of the color 4K pixels imaged withcamera head 21 is input to image processor 261 and processed.

2K left parallax video extractor 265 (one example of the imageprocessor) performs predetermined signal processing with respect to theleft eye image which is imaged by camera head 21. For example, 2K leftparallax video extractor 265 extracts a 2K left parallax video thatcorresponds to a region for half the left eye video from the 4K videoincluding the left and right parallax video of 2K pixels output from 4Kvideo processor 264, and generates an FHD video (3D left parallax video)for the left eye video for 3D display. Further, 2K left parallax videoextractor 265 adjusts an extraction range for extracting the 2K leftparallax video (that is, a left eye image on the imaging surface) fromthe 4K video in accordance with an adjustment signal (refer to thedescription below) based on the operation of the user by moving in anydirection of each of the upward-and-downward and leftward-and-downwarddirections. 2K left parallax video extractor 265 saves the adjustmentresult in set value storage 262M, and also extracts and outputs 2K leftparallax image (left eye image) that corresponds to the adjustmentresult.

2K right parallax video extractor 266 (one example of the imageprocessor) performs predetermined signal processing with respect to theright eye image which is imaged by camera head 21. For example, 2K rightparallax video extractor 266 extracts a 2K right parallax video thatcorresponds to a region for the remaining half the right eye video fromthe 4K video including the left and right parallax video of 2K pixelsoutput from 4K video processor 264, and generates an FHD video (3D rightparallax video) for the right eye video for 3D display. Further, 2Kright parallax video extractor 266 adjusts an extraction range forextracting the 2K right parallax video (that is, a right eye image onthe imaging surface) from the 4K video in accordance with an adjustmentsignal (refer to the description below) based on the operation of theuser by moving in any direction of each of the upward-and-downward andleftward-and-downward directions. 2K right parallax video extractor 266saves the adjustment result of an extraction range in set value storage262M, and also extracts and outputs 2K right parallax video (right eyeimage) that corresponds to the adjustment result.

2K left parallax video extractor 265 and 2K right parallax videoextractor 266 may respectively move and adjust in a same direction orthe extraction ranges of each of the 2K left parallax video (left eyeimage) and the 2K right parallax video (right eye image) in accordancewith an adjustment signal (refer to the description below) based on theoperation of the user, and may individually adjust the extraction rangesby moving in different directions.

Video output switcher 267 (one example of the output controller)switches the video signal output and outputs the 2D left parallax videoof 2K pixels from the 2K left parallax video extractor 265 or the videosignal of the 2D video of 4K pixels from 4K video processor 264 viachannel CH1 (one example of the first channel). Video output switcher268 (one example of the output controller) switches the video signaloutput and outputs the 2D right parallax video of 2K pixels from the 2Kright parallax video extractor 266 or the video signal of the 2D videoof 4K pixels from 4K video processor 264 via channel CH2 (one example ofthe second channel). In a case of outputting the 2D video of 4K pixels,the video signal may be output to both of video output 1 of channel CH1and video output 2 of channel CH2, or the video signal may be output toonly one of video output 1 and video output 2. Further, the 2D video of4K pixels may be output to either one of channel CH1 and channel CH2,and 2D video of 2K pixels may be output to the other.

Frame buffer FB1 is configured using a semiconductor memory, such asdynamic random access memory (DRAM) or static random access memory(SRAM), and holds video data. For example, frame buffer FB1 saves thedata of the 2D video of 4K pixels generated by 4K video processor 264.

Set value storage 262M is configured using a semiconductor memory, suchas an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), andsaves the data of the adjustment result of the extraction ranges of the2K left parallax video and the 2K right parallax video which areadjusted by 2K left parallax video extractor 265 and 2K right parallaxvideo extractor 266. In addition, 2K left parallax video extractor 265and 2K right parallax video extractor 266 read out the data of the 2Dvideo of 4K pixels saved in frame buffer FB1, and may further adjust theextraction ranges of the 2K left parallax video and the 2K rightparallax video by using the adjustment result of the extraction rangessaved in set value storage 262M.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a schematic example of thegeneration operation of the 2D video in each of the embodiments, andschematically illustrates processing for generating the 2D video of 4Kpixels. In a case of imaging the 2D video of 4K pixels by cameraapparatus 20, 2K video R, G, and B of each of the RGB colors are imagedas videos R, G, and B for 4K of 2D by three-plate camera head 21. Next,4K video processor 264 of image processor 261 performs 4K visualizationby performing pixel shifting processing with respect to the videosignals of the 2K videos R, G, and B to generate the 2D color 4K video.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view illustrating a schematic example of thegeneration operation of the 3D video in each of the embodiments, andschematically illustrates processing for generating the 3D video of 2Kpixels. In a case of imaging the 3D video of 2K pixels by cameraapparatus 20, a three-plate type camera head 21 images the 2K videos R,G, and B (for 3D left eye and 3D right eye) of each of RGB colors forthe left eye and the right eye for the 3D display in the ½ regions leftand right adjacent to each other of the image sensor. Next, 4K videoprocessor 264 of image processor 261 performs 4K visualization byperforming the pixel shifting processing with respect to the videosignals of the 2K videos R, G, and B including the left and rightparallax video to generate the 3D display color 4K video (the 2K leftparallax video for 3D and the 2K right parallax video for 3D).Subsequently, 2K left parallax video extractor 265 and 2K right parallaxvideo extractor 266 respectively perform extraction processing of the 2Kparallax video and the 2K right parallax video, and generates the FHDvideo (2K left parallax video for 3D and 2K right parallax video for 3D)for the 3D display.

Here, as described above, in order to display a highly accurate 3D videoon monitor 30, it is necessary to generate the 2K left parallax video(left eye image) and the 2K right parallax video (right eye image) whichconfigure the 3D video with high accuracy. However, it is not alwayseasy to generate a highly accurate 2K left parallax video and a 2K rightparallax video due to the design of actual observation optical system12. For example, due to the positioning (for example, paralleldisposition) of each of zoom optical system 101R for forming an image ofthe subject light for obtaining the 2K left parallax video and zoomoptical system 101L for forming an image of the subject light forobtaining the 2K right parallax video and manufacturing variations ofthe lens itself, there is a case where it is difficult to generatehighly accurate 2K left parallax video and 2K right parallax video. Itis practically difficult to completely eliminate the causes of suchpositioning and manufacturing variations.

Here, in Embodiment 1, for example, at the time of initial setting ofthe surgical microscope system, the user (for example, an observer, suchas a doctor) reads the 3D video based on the 2K left parallax video andthe 2K right parallax video which are displayed (output to a screen) onmonitor 30 in a state where the user wears the glasses for 3Dobservation in the 3D mode (that is, a mode for displaying the 3D videoon monitor 30). At this time, image processor 261 of CCU 22 adjusts atleast one extraction position of the 2K left parallax video (left eyeimage) and the 2K right parallax video (right eye image) in accordancewith the adjustment signal (one example of the adjustment signal basedon the operation of the user) generated by the operation of the user(for example, an operation of movement switch 226 by the user) based onthe 3D video displayed (output to the screen) on monitor 30. Inaddition, the imaging surface (imaging surface at the lower left part ofthe page of FIG. 8) on which the 4K video of FIG. 8 is imaged, is animaging surface of a so-called top view (that is, when the imagingsurface side is viewed from an object side).

First Adjustment Example of Extraction Range

FIG. 9A is an explanatory view of one example of an extraction positionof the left eye image and the right eye image under an ideal observationoptical system. FIG. 9B is an explanatory view of a first example ofdefault extraction positions of the left eye image and the right eyeimage under realistic observation optical system 12. FIG. 9C is anexplanatory view of an adjustment example of the extraction positionbased on the operation of the user with respect to the imaging region ofthe left eye image and the right eye image illustrated in FIG. 9B.

In FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, sensor effective pixel area EFM1 of the imagesensor in camera head 21 is “E pixels×F pixels” (E, F: default value ofF<E), the horizontal direction and the vertical direction of sensoreffective pixel area EFM1 are defined as an x-axis direction and ay-axis direction, respectively, and the optical axis direction of theobservation optical system is defined as the z-axis direction which isperpendicular to the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. Inaddition, sensor effective pixel area EFM1 illustrated in FIGS. 9A, 9B,and 9C is a sensor effective pixel area of a so-called bottom view (thatis, when the object side is viewed from the imaging surface side). Thedefinitions of the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, the z-axisdirection and the sensor effective pixel area of the bottom view aresimilarly applied to the descriptions of FIGS. 9D and 9E.

In FIG. 9A, an ideal observation optical system is disposed, and each ofa zoom optical system for forming an image of the subject light forobtaining the 2K left parallax video and a zoom optical system forforming an image of the subject light for obtaining the 2K rightparallax video is appropriately positioned, and there are nomanufacturing variations of the lens itself. Therefore, both 2K leftparallax video LF1 (left eye image) and 2K right parallax video RG1(right eye image) which are obtained by the imaging of the image sensorare extracted by extracting a video as much as default extraction rangesLFC1 and RGC1 which is an initial extraction range. Both defaultextraction ranges LFC1 and RGC1 are “B pixel×C pixel” (B, C: defaultvalue of C<B, smaller than E and F).

In other words, in FIG. 9A, 2K left parallax video LF1 and 2K rightparallax video RG1 having the same size (image area) imaged on sensoreffective pixel area EFM1 based on the same subject light are extractedso as to have an equivalent size (image area) by default extractionranges LFC1 and RGC1. This is apparent from the viewpoint that a D pixel(D: default value) that corresponds to a distance between the upper endof default extraction ranges LFC1 and RGC1 and the upper end of sensoreffective pixel area EFM1 and a D pixel (D: default value) thatcorresponds to a distance between the lower end of default extractionranges LFC1 and RGC1 and the lower end of sensor effective pixel areaEFM1, match each other, and that an A pixel (A: default value) thatcorresponds to a distance between the left end of default extractionrange LFC1 and the left end of sensor effective pixel area EFM1 and an Apixel that corresponds to a distance between the right end of defaultextraction range RGC1 and the right end of sensor effective pixel areaEFM1 match each other.

Therefore, the image quality of 2K left parallax video LF1 and 2K rightparallax video RG1 of the extracted default extraction ranges LFC1 andRGC1 becomes excellent, and when the observer reads monitor 30 on whichthe 3D video is displayed based on 2K left parallax video LF1 and 2Kright parallax video RG1, camera apparatus 20 can grasp the detailedsituation of the observation target site without giving the observer afeeling of strangeness as a 3D video.

Next, in FIG. 9B, each of zoom optical system 101L for forming an imageof the subject light for obtaining the 2K left parallax video and zoomoptical system 101R for forming an image of the subject light forobtaining the 2K right parallax video is not appropriately positioned,and there are manufacturing variations of the lens itself. Therefore,the 2K left parallax video LF2 (left eye image) and the 2K rightparallax video RG2 (right eye image) obtained by imaging of the imagesensor are somewhat displaced in the upward-and-downward direction(y-axis direction) and the leftward-and-rightward direction (x-axisdirection) as illustrated in FIG. 9B when comparing each position of 2Kleft parallax video LF1 and 2K right parallax video RG1 which areillustrated in FIG. 9A. Therefore, when 2K left parallax video LF2 and2K right parallax video RG2 are extracted with default extraction rangesLFC1 and RGC1 at the same positions as in FIG. 9A, extracted 2K leftparallax video LF2 and 2K right parallax video RG2 are lack ofappropriateness as the video of the same subject, the image quality ofeach of the upper and right portion of the 2K left parallax video LF2and the lower portion of the 2K right parallax video RG2 deteriorates.Therefore, when projected on monitor 30, a feeling of strangeness as a3D video is given to the observer, which is inconvenient.

Here, as illustrated in FIG. 9C, CCU 22 of camera apparatus 20 moves indefault extraction range LFC1 in the x-axis direction (horizontaldirection) and in the y-axis direction (vertical direction) inaccordance with the adjustment signal based on the operation (forexample, movement switch 226) of the user (for example, an observer,such as a doctor) who reads 2K left parallax video LF2 and 2K rightparallax video RG2 displayed (output to the screen) on monitor 30.Accordingly, CCU 22 saves the position information (coordinateinformation) of post-adjustment extraction range LFC2 obtained by themovement (adjustment) of the default extraction range LFC1 in set valuestorage unit 262M, and extracts and outputs 2K left parallax video LC2of the post-adjustment extraction range LFC2.

Similarly, CCU 22 of camera apparatus 20 moves in default extractionrange RGC1 in the y-axis direction (vertical direction) in accordancewith the adjustment signal based on the operation (for example, movementswitch 226) of the user (for example, an observer, such as a doctor) whoreads 2K left parallax video LF2 and 2K right parallax video RG2displayed (output to the screen) on monitor 30. Accordingly, CCU 22saves the position information (coordinate information) ofpost-adjustment extraction range RGC2 obtained by the movement(adjustment) of the default extraction range RGC1 in set value storageunit 262M, and extracts and outputs 2K right parallax video RG2 of thepost-adjustment extraction range RGC2. In addition, CCU 22 saves eachpiece of the position information (coordinate information) ofpost-adjustment extraction ranges LFC2 and RGC2 in association with eachother in set value storage 262M. Accordingly, even in a case where eachof the zoom optical system 101L and zoom optical system 101R is notappropriately positioned and there are manufacturing variations of thelens itself, CCU 22 can save the position information of post-adjustmentextraction ranges LFC2 and RGC2 which are appropriately determined basedon the operation of the user, and thus, it is possible to use theposition information as a reference of the extraction range of thesubsequent imaged video, and to appropriately manage the imaged video of2K having left and right parallax.

Second Adjustment Example of Extraction Range

FIG. 9D is an explanatory view of a second example of default extractionpositions of the left eye image and the right eye image under realisticobservation optical system 12. FIG. 9E is an explanatory view of theadjustment example of the extraction position based on the operation ofthe user with respect to the imaging region of the left eye image andthe right eye image illustrated in FIG. 9D.

Next, in FIG. 9D, each of zoom optical system 101L for forming an imageof the subject light for obtaining the 2K left parallax video and zoomoptical system 101R for forming an image of the subject light forobtaining the 2K right parallax video is not appropriately positioned,and there are manufacturing variations of the lens itself. Therefore, 2Kleft parallax video LF3 (left eye image) and 2K right parallax video RG3(right eye image) obtained by imaging of the image sensor are somewhatdisplaced in the upward-and-downward direction (y-axis direction) andthe leftward-and-rightward direction (x-axis direction) as illustratedin FIG. 9D when comparing each position of 2K left parallax video LF1and 2K right parallax video RG1 which are illustrated in FIG. 9A.Therefore, when 2K left parallax video LF3 and 2K right parallax videoRG3 are extracted with default extraction ranges LFC1 and RGC1 at thesame positions as in FIG. 9A, extracted 2K left parallax video LF3 and2K right parallax video RG3 are lack of appropriateness as the video ofthe same subject, the image quality of each of the upper and rightportion of the 2K left parallax video LF3 and the lower portion of the2K right parallax video RG3 deteriorates. Therefore, when projected onmonitor 30, a feeling of strangeness as a 3D video is given to theobserver, which is inconvenient.

Here, as illustrated in FIG. 9E, CCU 22 of camera apparatus 20 moves indefault extraction range LFC1 in the y-axis direction (verticaldirection) in accordance with the adjustment signal based on theoperation (for example, movement switch 226) of the user (for example,an observer, such as a doctor) who reads 2K left parallax video LF3 and2K right parallax video RG3 displayed (output to the screen) on monitor30. Accordingly, CCU 22 saves the position information (coordinateinformation) of post-adjustment extraction range LFC3 obtained by themovement (adjustment) of the default extraction range LFC1 in set valuestorage unit 262M and extracts and outputs 2K left parallax video LC3 ofthe post-adjustment extraction range LFC3.

Similarly, CCU 22 of camera apparatus 20 moves in default extractionrange RGC1 in the y-axis direction (vertical direction) in accordancewith the adjustment signal based on the operation (for example, movementswitch 226) of the user (for example, an observer, such as a doctor) whoreads 2K left parallax video LF3 and 2K right parallax video RG3displayed (output to the screen) on monitor 30. Accordingly, CCU 22saves the position information (coordinate information) ofpost-adjustment extraction range RGC3 obtained by the movement(adjustment) of the default extraction range RGC1 in set value storageunit 262M and extracts and outputs 2K right parallax video RG3 of thepost-adjustment extraction range RGC3. Further, CCU 22 saves each pieceof the position information (coordinate information) of post-adjustmentextraction ranges LFC3 and RGC3 in association with each other in setvalue storage unit 262M. Accordingly, even in a case where each of thezoom optical system 101L and zoom optical system 101R is notappropriately positioned and there are manufacturing variations of thelens itself, CCU 22 can save the position information of post-adjustmentextraction ranges LFC3 and RGC3 which are appropriately determined basedon the operation of the user, and thus, it is possible to use theposition information as a reference of the extraction range of thesubsequent imaged video, and to appropriately manage the imaged video of2K having left and right parallax.

Above, in the medical camera system of Embodiment 1, CCU 22 is connectedto the camera head which can perform the imaging on the imaging surfaceof one screen of the 2K left parallax video (one example of the left eyeimage) and 2K right parallax video (one example of the right eye image)having parallax based on the light of the target site incident onsurgical microscope 10 (one example of the optical instrument). CCU 22or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 performs the signal processingof the left eye image and the right eye image which are imaged by camerahead 21, and outputs the left eye image and the right eye image to whichthe signal processing is performed to monitor 30. In addition, CCU 22 orcamera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 adjusts the extraction position ofat least one of the left eye image and the right eye image in accordancewith the operation of the user based on the left eye image and the righteye image displayed on monitor 30.

Accordingly, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 canelectronically extract parts having excellent image quality from each ofthe left eye image and the right eye image which configure the 3D videoby a simple operation of the user who reads the left eye image and theright eye image displayed on monitor 30, and can image and output a highdefinition 3D video with one camera. In addition, it is possible toimage and output a high definition 3D video of 2K pixels with one camerahead 21 and CCU 22, and to project the target site stereographically andwith high definition. In particular, for surgical applications, clearer3D video can be acquired, and operability at the time of surgery andvisibility of the target site can be improved.

In addition, since one CCU 22 can cope with imaging output of 2D videoof 4K pixels and imaging output of 3D video of 2K pixels, the disclosurecan be applied to various observation video applications.

In addition, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 saves theadjustment result of the extraction position of at least one of the lefteye image and the right eye image in set value storage 262M.Accordingly, even in a case where each of zoom optical system 101L andzoom optical system 101R is not appropriately positioned and there aremanufacturing variations of the lens itself, CCU 22 or camera apparatus20 including CCU 22 can save the position information of thepost-adjustment extraction range which are appropriately determinedbased on the operation of the user, and thus, it is possible to use theposition information as a reference of the extraction range of thesubsequent imaged video, and to appropriately manage the imaged video of2K having left and right parallax.

In addition, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 adjusts theextraction position in the horizontal direction of at least one of theleft eye image and the right eye image by camera head 21 in accordancewith the operation of the user who reads the left eye image and theright eye image displayed on monitor 30. Accordingly, CCU 22 or cameraapparatus 20 including CCU 22 can extract a video of the post-adjustmentextraction range which is appropriately determined based on theoperation of the user even in a case where at least one of the 2K leftparallax video and the 2K right parallax video is imaged in thehorizontal direction being shifted from the default extraction range,can appropriately adjust the depth feeling (stereoscopic feeling) of 3D,and can acquire a video having excellent image quality.

In addition, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 adjusts theextraction position in the vertical direction of at least one of theleft eye image and the right eye image by camera head 21 in accordancewith the operation of the user who reads the left eye image and theright eye image displayed on monitor 30. Accordingly, CCU 22 or cameraapparatus 20 including CCU 22 can extract a video of the post-adjustmentextraction range which is appropriately determined based on theoperation of the user even in a case where at least one of the 2K leftparallax video and the 2K right parallax video is imaged in the verticaldirection being shifted from the default extraction range, canappropriately perform adjustment so as to have the qualification as a 3Dvideo, and can acquire a video having excellent image quality.

In addition, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 adjusts theextraction position in the horizontal direction or in the verticaldirection of both of the left eye image and the right eye image bycamera head 21 in accordance with the operation of the user who readsthe left eye image and the right eye image displayed on monitor 30.Accordingly, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 can extracta video of the post-adjustment extraction range which is appropriatelydetermined based on the operation of the user even in a case where bothof the 2K left parallax video and the 2K right parallax video are imagedin the horizontal direction or in the vertical direction being shiftedfrom the default extraction range, can appropriately perform adjustmentso as to have the depth feeling (stereoscopic feeling) of 3D and thequalification as a 3D video, and can acquire a video having excellentimage quality.

Further, in the 3D mode, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22includes distance measuring circuit 291 (one example of distancemeasurer) which measures distance L (refer to FIG. 19) from surgicalendoscope 110 (one example of optical instrument) to an observationtarget site based on the parallax Δ (refer to FIG. 23) appearing in theleft eye image and the right eye image which are imaged by camera head21. CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 outputs the result measured bydistance measuring circuit 291 (that is, information on the distance) tomonitor 130 (refer to FIG. 19) together with the left eye image and theright eye image to which the signal processing is performed.Accordingly, the user (for example, an observer, such as a doctor) canvisually grasp the situation of the observation target site projected tomonitor 130, can grasp the specific distance information from surgicalendoscope 110 (refer to FIG. 19) to the observation target site, and cansupport the guidance of the next medical practice by the user at thetime of surgery or examination.

In addition, in response to the switching from the 3D mode to the 2Dmode, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 interrupts theoutput of the information on the distance to monitor 130. Accordingly,in the 2D mode, neither the left and right 2K left parallax video havingparallax nor the 2K right parallax video is input to distance measuringcircuit 291, and thus, the information on the distance is not displayedon monitor 130. Therefore, the user (for example, an observer, such as adoctor) can easily recognize that the present is the 2D mode by the factthat the information on the distance is not displayed on monitor 130,and on the other hand, the user can easily recognize that the present isthe 3D mode by the fact that the information on the distance isdisplayed on monitor 130.

Background of Contents of Embodiment 2

In the above-described medical camera system, in order to ensure a clearfield of view of a target site at which surgery or treatment isperformed, a display video with high definition and excellent visibilityis desired. In addition, since the size or state of an observationtarget can be grasped more accurately and easily by stereoscopic viewingof a target site, there is an increasing demand for a 3D video thatprovides a stereoscopic observed video to the observer. Particularly, ina surgical application of a fine site, a high-definition 3D video isrequired, but in the related art, such as PTL 1, there was a problemthat it is difficult to visually recognize the details of the observedvideo clearly. In addition, in order to generate a high-definition 3Dvideo required in the medical field, it is necessary to use twodifferent cameras for imaging an image for a left eye (left eye image)and an image for a right eye (right eye image) which have parallax.

In addition, for example, in a medical camera system, visibility ofvideo displayed on a monitor is particularly important for a doctor orthe like to grasp the details of the situation of a target site (forexample, an affected part of a human body). The video displayed on themonitor at the time of surgery or examination is appropriately switchedbetween the 2D video capable of planar viewing and the 3D video capableof stereoscopic viewing. Here, in the related art as in PTL 1, since itis not considered to switch from 2D video to 3D video as the videodisplayed on the monitor, the following problems are caused whenswitching from the display of the 2D video to the display of the 3Dvideo. First, in order to improve the image quality (that is,visibility) of the video, various types of signal processing (forexample, automatic exposure processing, such as auto exposure (AE)) oradjustment processing of white balance (WB), are performed with respectto the imaged video. However, at the time of switching from the displayof 2D video to the display of 3D video, when an area on an imagingsurface used for deriving parameters of the signal processing of the 2Dvideo is used as it is as an area used for deriving parameters of thesignal processing of the 3D video, there is a case where the 3D videohaving appropriate image quality cannot be obtained.

Here, in Embodiment 2 which will be described below, considering theabove-described situation of the related art, an example of the imageprocessing apparatus, the camera apparatus, and the image processingmethod which are capable of adaptively adjusting the area on the imagingsurface used for deriving parameters of signal processing with respectto the imaged 3D video when switching from display of the 2D video todisplay of the 3D video, and imaging and outputting a high-definition 3Dvideo with one camera will be described.

Embodiment 2

Since the internal configuration of each of the medical camera systemand the camera apparatus or the CCU of Embodiment 2 is the same as theinternal configuration of each of the medical camera system and cameraapparatus 20 or CCU 22 of Embodiment 1, the same configuration will begiven the same reference numerals and the description thereof will besimplified or omitted, and different contents will be described.

First, in Embodiment 2, as an example of signal processing performedwith respect to an imaged video in order to improve the image quality ofthe video, an automatic exposure processing, such as auto exposure (AE),is exemplified, and an example in which, in a case of switching from the2D mode to the 3D mode, an area used for used for deriving parameters(for example, brightness or light amount) of the automatic exposureprocessing is determined, will be described. In addition, theconfiguration of the CCU of Embodiment 2 is combined with theconfiguration of the CCU of Embodiment 1, and after the extraction rangeof the left eye image and the right eye image is adjusted by theconfiguration of the CCU of Embodiment 1, it is needless to say thatvarious controls of automatic exposure processing, such as AE andadjustment processing of WB may be performed according to theconfiguration of the CCU of Embodiment 2.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a first example of a functionalconfiguration of the image processor of camera apparatus 20 ofEmbodiment 2. Image processor 261A includes 4K video processor 264,photometric area determiner 281, light exposure calculator 282,luminance controller 283, 2K left parallax video extractor 265, 2K rightparallax video extractor 266, and video output switchers 267 and 268. Inaddition, although frame buffer FB1 (memory) is not illustrated andomitted in FIG. 10, when frame buffer FB1 is provided in CCU 22, framebuffer FB1 may be provided either on the inside or on the outside ofimage processor 261A.

The video data of 4K pixels generated by 4K video processor 264 is inputto photometric area determiner 281.

In accordance with a switching signal from the 2D mode to the 3D mode,photometric area determiner 281 (one example of a determiner) determinesan area used for deriving parameters (for example, brightness or lightamount) of the signal processing (for example, automatic exposureprocessing, such as AE) with respect to the left eye image and the righteye image (for example, video data of 4K pixels generated by 4K videoprocessor 264) which are imaged by camera head 21 (refer to FIGS. 11A,11B, 11C, and 11D). Further, in accordance with a switching signal fromthe 3D mode to the 2D mode, photometric area determiner 281 determinesan area used for deriving parameters (for example, brightness or lightamount) of the signal processing (for example, automatic exposureprocessing, such as AE) with respect to the left eye image and the righteye image (for example, video data of 4K pixels generated by 4K videoprocessor 264) which are imaged by camera head 21. In addition, evenwhen the switching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode or the switching fromthe 3D mode to the 2D mode does not occur, photometric area determiner281 determines an area used for deriving parameters (for example,brightness or light amount) of the signal processing (for example,automatic exposure processing, such as AE) with respect to the left eyeimage and the right eye image (for example, video data of 4K pixelsgenerated by 4K video processor 264) which are imaged by camera head 21.

FIG. 11A is an explanatory view illustrating an adjustment example of aphotometric area of automatic exposure with respect to a first subjectin accordance with the switching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode. FIG.11B is an explanatory view illustrating an adjustment example of aphotometric area of automatic exposure with respect to a second subjectin accordance with the switching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode. FIG.11C is an explanatory view illustrating an adjustment example of aphotometric area of automatic exposure with respect to a third subjectin accordance with the switching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode. FIG.11D is an explanatory view illustrating an adjustment example of aphotometric area of automatic exposure with respect to a fourth subjectin accordance with the switching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode.

In FIGS. 11A to 11D, in imaging surface CAP1 of the image sensor incamera head 21 (for example, the size of “2160 pixels×3840 pixels” thatcorresponds to 4K pixels), sensor effective pixel region EFM2 whichcorresponds to the largest pixel region used in imaging the video isprovided. In FIGS. 11A to 11D, imaging surface CAP1 is an imagingsurface of a so-called bottom view (that is, when the object side isviewed from the imaging surface side). In addition, here, in order tosimplify the description of FIGS. 11A to 11D, extraction range LFC4 ofthe 2D left parallax video which configures the 3D video and extractionrange RGC4 of the 2D right parallax video which configures the same 3Dvideo, are set in a state where there is no shift in the verticaldirection of imaging surface CAP1 and of being horizontally aligned inthe horizontal direction. Extraction range LFC4 is an extraction rangeof the 2K left parallax video (left eye image) in sensor effective pixelarea EFM3 for the 2K left parallax video (left eye image). Similarly,extraction range RGC4 is the extraction range of the 2K right parallaxvideo (right eye image) in sensor effective pixel area EFM4 for the 2Kright parallax video (right eye image). In addition, in the descriptionof FIGS. 11A to 11D, sensor effective pixel region EFM2 is assumed to beconfigured with a total of 128 regions divided by 8 in the verticaldirection×16 in the horizontal direction.

On the left side of the page of FIG. 11A, a case where the imaging ofthe 2D video is performed over the entire sensor effective pixel regionEFM2 in the 2D mode, is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, in acase where the imaging of the 2D video is performed over the entiresensor effective pixel region EFM2, the entire sensor effective pixelregion EFM2 is used for deriving (calculating) parameters (for example,brightness or light amount) of the automatic exposure processing (oneexample of the signal processing) of the 2D video (refer to photometricarea LAR1 indicated by the dot hatch in FIG. 11A). In accordance withthe operation of the user for the switching from the 2D mode to the 3Dmode (that is, the switching signal from the 2D mode to the 3D mode), asillustrated on the right side of the page of FIG. 11A, photometric areadeterminer 281 determines, for example, the size of extraction rangeRGC4 of 2K right parallax video LAR2 which configures the 3D video asthe photometric area used for deriving parameters (for example,brightness or light amount) of the signal processing (for example,automatic exposure processing, such as AE) with respect to the videodata (that is, 2K left parallax video and 2K right parallax video) of 4Kpixels generated by 4K video processor 264. In addition, photometricarea determiner 281 may determine, for example, the size of extractionrange LFC4 of the 2K left parallax video which configures the 3D videoas the photometric area.

On the left side of the page of FIG. 11B, a case where the imaging of 2Dvideo LAR3 is performed over a small area (for example, 12 squares)including the center of sensor effective pixel region EFM2 in the 2Dmode, is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, in a case where theimaging of 2D video LAR3 is performed over a small area including thecenter of sensor effective pixel region EFM2, the entire sensoreffective pixel region EFM2 is used for deriving (calculating) theparameters (for example, brightness or light amount) of the automaticexposure processing (one example of the signal processing) of the 2Dvideo (refer to photometric area LAR1 indicated by the dot hatch of FIG.11A). Here, in accordance with the operation of the user for switchingfrom the 2D mode to the 3D mode (that is, the switching signal from the2D mode to the 3D mode), as illustrated on the right side of the page ofFIG. 11B, photometric area determiner 281 determines, for example, thesize of extraction range RGC4 of 2K right parallax video LAR4 whichconfigures the 3D video as the photometric area used for deriving theparameters (for example, brightness or light amount) of the signalprocessing (for example, automatic exposure processing, such as AE) withrespect to the video data (that is, 2K left parallax video and 2K rightparallax video) of 4K pixels generated by 4K video processor 264. Inaddition, photometric area determiner 281 may determine, for example,the size of extraction range LFC4 of the 2K left parallax video whichconfigures the 3D video as the photometric area.

On the left side of the page of FIG. 11C, a case where the imaging of 2Dvideo LAR5 is performed over a medium area (for example, 24 squares)including the center of sensor effective pixel region EFM2 in the 2Dmode, is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 11C, in a case where theimaging of 2D video LAR5 is performed over a medium area including thecenter of sensor effective pixel region EFM2, the entire sensoreffective pixel region EFM2 is used for deriving (calculating)parameters (for example, brightness or light amount) of the automaticexposure processing (one example of the signal processing) of the 2Dvideo (refer to photometric area LAR1 indicated by the dot hatch of FIG.11A). Here, in accordance with the operation of the user for switchingfrom the 2D mode to the 3D mode (that is, the switching signal from the2D mode to the 3D mode), as illustrated on the right side of the page ofFIG. 11C, photometric area determiner 281 determines, for example, thesize of extraction range RGC4 of 2K right parallax video LAR6 whichconfigures the 3D video as the photometric area used for derivingparameters (for example, brightness or light amount) of the signalprocessing (for example, automatic exposure processing, such as AE) withrespect to the video data (that is, 2K left parallax video and 2K rightparallax video) of 4K pixels generated by 4K video processor 264. Inaddition, photometric area determiner 281 may determine, for example,the size of extraction range LFC4 of the 2K left parallax video whichconfigures the 3D video as the photometric area.

On the left side of the page of FIG. 11D, a case where the imaging of 2Dvideo LAR7 is performed over a large area (for example, 56 squares)including the center of sensor effective pixel region EFM2 in the 2Dmode, is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 11D, in a case where theimaging of 2D video LAR7 is performed over a medium area including thecenter of sensor effective pixel region EFM2, the entire sensoreffective pixel region EFM2 is used for deriving (calculating)parameters (for example, brightness or light amount) of the automaticexposure processing (one example of the signal processing) of the 2Dvideo (refer to photometric area LAR1 indicated by the dot hatch of FIG.11A). Here, in accordance with the operation of the user for switchingfrom the 2D mode to the 3D mode (that is, the switching signal from the2D mode to the 3D mode), as illustrated on the right side of the page ofFIG. 11D, photometric area determiner 281 determines, for example, thesize of extraction range RGC4 of 2K right parallax video LAR8 whichconfigures the 3D video as the photometric area used for derivingparameters (for example, brightness or light amount) of the signalprocessing (for example, automatic exposure processing, such as AE) withrespect to the video data (that is, 2K left parallax video and 2K rightparallax video) of 4K pixels generated by 4K video processor 264. Inaddition, photometric area determiner 281 may determine, for example,the size of extraction range LFC4 of the 2K left parallax video whichconfigures the 3D video as the photometric area.

Exposure calculator 282 (one example of a deriver) calculates anexposure amount (that is, brightness or light amount) in the photometricarea of the data of the 2D video of 4K pixels generated by 4K videoprocessor 264 considering the photometric area determined by photometricarea determiner 281 as a target, and outputs the calculation result toluminance controller 283. In addition, exposure calculator 282 may notbe provided in image processor 261A, or may be provided in CPU 262.

By using the calculation result of exposure calculator 282, luminancecontroller 283 (one example of the image processor) performs theautomatic exposure processing, such as AE, with respect to the 2D videoof 4K pixels generated by 4K video processor 264. In other words,luminance controller 283 performs processing of increasing thebrightness for setting appropriate brightness in a case where the 2Dvideo of 4K pixels in the photometric area is excessively dark (forexample, the exposure amount is less than the predetermined firstthreshold value, and the first threshold value is the predeterminedvalue). Meanwhile, luminance controller 283 performs processing ofreducing the brightness for setting appropriate brightness in a casewhere the 2D video of 4K pixels in the photometric area is excessivelybright (for example, the exposure amount is equal to or greater than thepredetermined second threshold value, and the second threshold value isthe predetermined value that satisfies first threshold value <secondthreshold value). In addition, luminance controller 283 may not beprovided in image processor 261A, or may be provided in CPU 262.Luminance controller 283 outputs data of the 2D video of 4K pixels whichis the processing result of the automatic exposure processing, such asAE, to 2K right parallax video extractor 265 and 2K left parallax videoextractor 266, respectively.

Since the processing contents of 2K right parallax video extractor 265,2K left parallax video extractor 266, and video output switchers 267 and268 are the same as those in Embodiment 1, the description thereof willbe omitted here.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for describing an operational procedure exampleof camera apparatus 20 of Embodiment 2. In addition, in the descriptionof FIG. 12, during the processing of steps S11 to S23, the processing insteps S11 and S12 is performed in camera head 21 of camera apparatus 20,and the processing after step S13 is performed in CCU 22 of cameraapparatus 20. Further, it is needless to say that the operation in FIG.12 is not the contents dedicated to Embodiment 2, but can be applied asa processing procedure for the video after the extraction range is setin Embodiment 1.

In FIG. 12, camera apparatus 20 converges the light from subject 40acquired by surgical microscope 10 with the lens of imaging lens portion23 (S11). In three-plate type capture 213 of camera head 21, cameraapparatus 20 spectrally disperses the light to the subject image of eachcolor of RGB by a spectroscopic prism, forms an image on the imagingsurfaces of the three image sensors of RGB, respectively, and imagessubject images of RGB of 2K pixels (S12).

In image processor 261A of CCU 22, camera apparatus 20 generates 4Kvideo (video of 4K pixels) by 4K visualization by the processing ofpixel shifting the imaged 2K videos R, G, and B of each color of R, G,and B (S13). In image processor 261A of the CCU 22, camera apparatus 20determines an area used for deriving parameters (for example, brightnessor light amount) of the signal processing (for example, automaticexposure processing, such as AE) with respect to the video of 4K pixelsgenerated in step S13 (S14).

In image processor 261A of CCU 22, camera apparatus 20 calculates theexposure amount (that is, brightness or light amount) in the photometricarea of the data of the 2D video of 4K pixels generated in step S13,considering the photometric area determined in step S14 as a target(S15). In image processor 261A of CCU 22, camera apparatus 20 performsthe automatic exposure processing, such as AE, with respect to the dataof 2D video of 4K pixels generated in step S13 by using the calculationresult of the exposure amount in step S15 (S16).

Camera apparatus 20 determines the output video type in CPU 262 of CCU22. In addition, CPU 262 controls the imaging by capture 213 and candetermine the output video type of the video imaged by the capture 213.Camera apparatus 20 sets the operation of image processor 261A andswitches the video output for each output video type of 3D video of 2Kpixels (3D (FHD)), 2D video of 4K pixels (2D(4K)), and 3D video of HDresolution (3D (normal)) (S17).

In a case of outputting the 3D video (3D (FHD)) of 2K pixels, imageprocessor 261A of CCU 22 performs the extraction processing of two leftand right 2K parallax videos (2K left parallax video and 2K rightparallax video) (S18). Image processor 261A of CCU 22 outputs the 3Dleft parallax video from channel CH1 as a 3D video output of 2K pixelsfor 3D display and outputs the 3D right parallax video from channel CH2(S19).

In a case of outputting the 2D video (2D (4K)) of 4K pixels, imageprocessor 261A of CCU 22 outputs the 4K video as a 2D video output of 4Kpixels from either or both of channel CH1 and channel CH2 (S20).

In a case of outputting the 3D video (3D (normal)) of HD resolution,image processor 261A of CCU 22 performs the extraction processing of twoleft and right 2K parallax videos (2K left parallax video and 2K rightparallax video) (S21). In the processing of the step S21, as describedin Embodiment 1, at least one extraction region of the 2K left parallaxvideo and the 2K right parallax video may be extracted individuallyafter being adjusted, in accordance with the operation of the user (forexample, an observer, such as a doctor). Image processor 261A combinesthe two left and right 2K parallax videos and performs video conversionprocessing (3D image visualization processing) that corresponds tovarious transmission methods of the 3D video (S22). Image processor 261Aoutputs the 3D video (left and right parallax video) as the 3D videooutput of HD resolution (S23).

Here, in a case where the processing of step S22 is performed, imageprocessor 261A includes 3D video combiner 272 illustrated in FIG. 21. 3Dvideo combiner 272 performs combining processing of the 2D left parallaxvideo from 2K left parallax video extractor 265 and the 2D rightparallax video from 2K right parallax video extractor 266, and generatesa 3D video of HD resolution (3D (normal)). The combining processing ofthe 3D video can be performed by using video conversion processing (3Dvisualization processing) that corresponds to various transmissionmethods of the 3D video, such as a side-by-side method in which the leftparallax video and the right parallax video are adjacent to each otherin the horizontal direction, or a line by line method in which the leftparallax video and the right parallax video are disposed for each line.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for describing an operational procedure exampleat the time of interruption processing of mode switching. The processingin FIG. 13 is started at the time when the processing of step S31 (thatis, the processing of switching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode or fromthe 3D mode to the 2D mode) occurs interruptively.

In FIG. 13, CPU 262 of CCU 22 determines whether or not a switchingsignal for switching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode or from the 3D modeto the 2D mode has been acquired (S31). In a case where the switchingsignal has not been acquired (S31, NO), the current mode (for example,the 2D mode or the 3D mode) is maintained. CPU 262 determines whether ornot the processing of steps S14 to S16 of FIG. 12 has been performedonce (S32). In a case where the processing of steps S14 to S16 of FIG.12 is performed once, CPU 262 holds information (flags and the like)having the effect in the internal memory (not illustrated) or the like,and can determine whether or not the processing of steps S14 to S16 inFIG. 12 has been performed once. In a case where it is determined thatthe processing of steps S14 to S16 of FIG. 12 has been performed once(S32, YES), the processing proceeds to the processing after step S17 ofFIG. 12. This means that it is not necessary to change the photometricarea since the current mode is not changed and the determination of thephotometric area has already been completed and the processing of stepsS14 to S16 is not necessary, and the processing of image processor 261Amay be ended without proceeding to the processing after step S17 in FIG.12.

Meanwhile, in a case where the switching signal has been acquired (S31,YES), or in a case where it is determined that the processing of stepsS14 to S16 of FIG. 12 has never been performed (S32, NO), imageprocessor 261A performs the processing of steps S14 to S16 illustratedin FIG. 12 (S33). After step S33, the processing of image processor 261Aproceeds to the processing following the step S17.

Next, in Embodiment 2, as an example of the signal processing performedwith respect to the imaged video in order to improve the image qualityof the video, an adjustment processing of white balance (WB) isexemplified, and an example in which, in a case of switching from the 2Dmode to the 3D mode, an area used for deriving parameters (for example,WB adjustment value) of WB adjustment processing is determined, will bedescribed.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a second example of a functionalconfiguration of the image processor of camera apparatus 20 ofEmbodiment 2. Image processor 261B includes 4K video processor 264, WBtarget area determiner 284, WB controller 285, 2K left parallax videoextractor 265, 2K right parallax video extractor 266, and video outputswitchers 267 and 268. In addition, although frame buffer FB1 (memory)is not illustrated and omitted in FIG. 14, when frame buffer FB1 isprovided in CCU 22, frame buffer FB1 may be provided either on theinside or on the outside of image processor 261B. In addition, WB targetarea determiner 284 and WB controller 285 illustrated in FIG. 14 may beincluded being combined in image processor 261A illustrated in FIG. 10.

Since the internal configuration of image processor 261B in FIG. 14includes the same internal configurations as each of those of the imageprocessor 261A in FIG. 10, the same reference numerals are given to thesame configurations and the description is simplified or omitted, anddifferent contents will be described.

The video data of 4K pixels generated by 4K video processor 264 is inputto WB target area determiner 284.

In accordance with the switching signal from the 2D mode to the 3D mode,WB target area determiner 284 (one example of the determiner) determinesan area used for deriving parameters (for example, WB adjustment value)of the signal processing (for example, WB adjustment processing) withrespect to the left eye image and the right eye image (for example,video data of 4K pixels generated by 4K video processor 264) which areimaged by camera head 21 (refer to FIG. 15). In addition, in accordancewith the switching signal from the 3D mode to the 2D mode, WB targetarea determiner 284 determines an area used for deriving parameters (forexample, WB adjustment value) of the signal processing (for example, WBadjustment processing) with respect to the left eye image and the righteye image (for example, video data of 4K pixels generated by 4K videoprocessor 264) which are imaged by camera head 21. In addition, evenwhen the switching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode or the switching fromthe 3D mode to the 2D mode does not occur, WB target area determiner 284determines an area used for deriving parameters (for example, WBadjustment value) of the signal processing (for example, WB adjustmentprocessing) with respect to the left eye image and the right eye image(for example, video data of 4K pixels generated by 4K video processor264) which are imaged by camera head 21.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view illustrating an adjustment example of thetarget area of WB with respect to the subject in accordance withswitching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode. In FIG. 15, the imagingsurface CAP1 is the imaging surface of a so-called bottom view (that is,when the object side is viewed from the imaging surface side). In orderto simplify the description of FIG. 15, extraction range LFC4 of the 2Dleft parallax video which configures the 3D video and extraction rangeRGC4 of the 2D right parallax video which configures the same 3D video,are set in a state where there is no shift in the vertical direction ofimaging surface CAP1 and of being horizontally aligned in the horizontaldirection. Extraction range LFC4 is the extraction range of the 2K leftparallax video (left eye image). Similarly, extraction range RGC4 is theextraction range of the 2K right parallax video (right eye image).

On the left side of the page of FIG. 15, in the 2D mode, in imagingsurface CAP1 (for example, the size of “2160 pixels×3840 pixels” thatcorresponds to 4K pixels) of the image sensor in camera head 21, as thearea used for deriving the WB adjustment value, small area WB1 includingthe center of imaging surface CAP1 is illustrated as an initialposition. In other words, based on the WB adjustment value in small areaWB1, WB target area determiner 284 performs the WB adjustment processingwith respect to the left eye image and the right eye image (for example,the video data of 4K pixels generated by 4K video processor 264) whichare imaged by camera head 21. Similarly to Embodiment 1, WB target areadeterminer 284 may move and change the area used for deriving the WBadjustment value to any of other small areas WB2, WB3, WB4, and WB5which have the same area as that of small area WB1 from small area WB1in accordance with the operation of the user (for example, an observer,such as a doctor) who reads the 2D left parallax video and the 2D rightparallax video which configure the 3D video projected to monitor 30.

Here, it is assumed that the operation (that is, the switching signalfrom the 2D mode to the 3D mode) of the user for switching from the 2Dmode to the 3D mode is performed. In accordance with the operation, asillustrated on the right side of the page of FIG. 15, WB target areadeterminer 284 determines, for example, small area WB6 including thecenter of extraction range RGC4 of the 2K right parallax video whichconfigures the 3D video, as the initial position of the area used forderiving parameters (for example, WB adjustment value) of the WBadjustment processing with respect to the video data of 4K pixels (thatis, 2K left parallax video and 2K right parallax video) which aregenerated by 4K video processor 264. In addition, WB target areadeterminer 284 may determine, for example, the small area including thecenter of extraction range LFC4 of the 2K left parallax video whichconfigures the 3D video as the area used for deriving the WB adjustmentvalue. Similarly to Embodiment 1, WB target area determiner 284 may moveand change the area used for deriving the WB adjustment value to any ofother small areas WB7, WB8, WB9, and WB10 which have the same area asthat of small area WB6 in extraction range RGC4 from small area WB6 inaccordance with the operation of the user (for example, an observer,such as a doctor) who reads the 2D left parallax video and the 2D rightparallax video which configure the 3D video projected to monitor 30.

In addition, WB target area determiner 284 (one example of the deriver)calculates the WB adjustment value in the area of the data of the 2Dvideo of 4K pixels generated by 4K video processor 264 considering thearea determined by WB target area determiner 284 as a target, andoutputs the calculation result to WB controller 285.

By sampling the color of the area that corresponds to the calculationresult of WB target area determiner 284, WB controller 285 (one exampleof the image processor) performs the WB adjustment processing withrespect to the data of the 2D video of 4K pixels generated by 4K videoprocessor 264. In addition, WB controller 285 may not be provided inimage processor 261B, or may be provided in CPU 262. WB controller 285outputs data of the 2D video of 4K pixels which is the processing resultof the WB adjustment processing, to 2K right parallax video extractor265 and 2K left parallax video extractor 266, respectively.

The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 12 can be similarly applied in a casewhere image processor 261B of CCU 22 is used. For example, instead ofsteps S14 to S16 in FIG. 12, processing of determining the parameter (WBadjustment value) of the WB adjustment processing, processing ofadjusting the WB using the WB adjustment in the area determined based onthe determination processing may be performed. Further, CCU 22 may havea configuration which is combined with image processors 261A and 261B,and in this case, between step S16 and step S17 in FIG. 12 or betweenstep S13 and step S14, the processing of determining the parameter (WBadjustment value) of the WB adjustment processing and the WB adjustmentprocessing in which the WB adjustment is used in the area determinedbased on the determination processing may be performed. Further, in acase where CCU 22 has a configuration which is combined with imageprocessors 261A and 261B, the processing of steps S14 to S16, theprocessing of determining the parameter (WB adjustment value) of the WBadjustment processing, and the WB adjustment processing in which the WBadjustment is used in the area determined based on the determinationprocessing may be performed.

Above, in the medical camera system of Embodiment 2, CCU 22 is connectedto camera head 21 which can perform the imaging on the imaging surfaceof one screen of the 2K left parallax video (one example of the left eyeimage) and 2K right parallax video (one example of the right eye image)having parallax based on the light of the target site incident onsurgical microscope 10 (one example of the optical instrument). Inaccordance with the switching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode, CCU 22 orcamera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 derives (for example, calculates)the parameters (for example, brightness or light amount, and WBadjustment value) of the signal processing with respect to the left eyeimage and the right eye image which are imaged by camera head 21. Inaddition, based on the derived parameters (for example, brightness orlight amount, and WB adjustment value), CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20including CCU 22 performs the signal processing of the left eye imageand the right eye image which are imaged by camera head 21, and outputsthe left eye image and the right eye image to which the signalprocessing is performed to monitor 30.

Accordingly, when switching from the display of the 2D video to thedisplay of the 3D video, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22can adaptively adjust the area on the imaging surface used for derivingparameters of the signal processing for the imaged 3D video, and toimage and output a high-definition 3D video with one camera. In otherwords, in the 3D mode, since the parameters of the signal processing arederived considering the extraction range of the 2K left parallax videoor the 2K right parallax video which configures the 3D video as atarget, it is possible to suppress deterioration of image quality of the3D video due to the influence of the parameters of a part (for example,a peripheral portion of the imaging surface) of the imaging surface ofthe image sensor in the 2D mode which is not essentially required in the3D mode. In addition, it is possible to image and output a highdefinition 3D video of 2K pixels with one camera head 21 and CCU 22, andto project the target site stereographically and with high definition.In particular, for surgical applications, clearer 3D video can beacquired, and operability at the time of surgery and visibility of thetarget site can be improved.

In addition, since one CCU 22 can cope with imaging output of 2D videoof 4K pixels and imaging output of 3D video of 2K pixels, the disclosurecan be applied to various observation video applications.

In addition, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 determinesan area used for deriving parameters of the signal processing from animaging area of one of the left eye image and the right eye image whichare imaged by camera head 21. Accordingly, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20including CCU 22 can appropriately determine the parameters whenperforming necessary signal processing with respect to the 2K leftparallax video and the 2K right parallax video which configure the 3Dvideo in the 3D mode, and can improve the image quality of the 3D videoprojected to monitor 30.

In addition, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 determinesan area used for deriving parameters of the signal processing based onthe shape of the subject appearing in the left eye image and the righteye image which are imaged by camera head 21. Accordingly, since CCU 22or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 can generate the 2K leftparallax video and 2K right parallax video having high image qualitythat conforms to the shape of the subject imaged in the 3D mode, it ispossible to appropriately improve the image quality of the 3D videoprojected to monitor 30.

In addition, the parameters for the signal processing is the exposureamount of at least one of the left eye image and the right eye image ofthe area used for deriving the parameters of the signal processing. CCU22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 adjusts brightness of theleft eye image and the right eye image which are imaged by camera head21 based on the exposure amount. Accordingly, in the 3D mode, CCU 22 orcamera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 can suppress deterioration of theimage quality of the 3D video without becoming excessively dark orexcessively bright due to the influence of the exposure amount of a part(for example, the peripheral portion of the imaging surface) of theimaging surface of the image sensor in the 2D mode which is notessentially required in the 3D mode.

In addition, the parameters for the signal processing is the whitebalance adjustment value of at least one of the left eye image and theright eye image of the area used for deriving the parameters of thesignal processing. CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22adjusts white balance of the left eye image and the right eye imagewhich are imaged by camera head 21 based on the white balance adjustmentvalue. Accordingly, in CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22,in the 3D mode, the 3D video of which the white balance is appropriatelyadjusted is obtained without becoming excessively bluish white orexcessively reddish white due to the influence of the WB adjustmentvalue of a part (for example, an external peripheral portion of imagingsurface CAP1) of the imaging surface of the image sensor in the 2D modewhich is not essentially required in the 3D mode.

Further, in the 3D mode, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22includes distance measuring circuit 291 (one example of distancemeasurer) which measures distance L (refer to FIG. 19) from surgicalendoscope 110 (one example of optical instrument) to an observationtarget site based on the parallax Δ (refer to FIG. 23) appearing in theleft eye image and the right eye image which are imaged by camera head21. CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 outputs the result measured bydistance measuring circuit 291 (that is, information on the distance) tomonitor 130 (refer to FIG. 19) together with the left eye image and theright eye image to which the signal processing is performed.Accordingly, the user (for example, an observer, such as a doctor) canvisually grasp the situation of the observation target site projected tomonitor 130, can grasp the specific distance information from surgicalendoscope 110 (refer to FIG. 19) to the observation target site, and cansupport the guidance of the next medical practice by the user at thetime of surgery or examination.

In addition, in response to the switching from the 3D mode to the 2Dmode, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 interrupts theoutput of the information on the distance to monitor 130. Accordingly,in the 2D mode, neither the left and right 2K left parallax video havingparallax nor the 2K right parallax video is input to distance measuringcircuit 291, and thus, the information on the distance is not displayedon monitor 130. Therefore, the user (for example, an observer, such as adoctor) can easily recognize that the present is the 2D mode by the factthat the information on the distance is not displayed on monitor 130,and on the other hand, the user can easily recognize that the present isthe 3D mode by the fact that the information on the distance isdisplayed on monitor 130.

Background of Contents of Embodiment 3

In the above-described medical camera system, in order to ensure a clearfield of view of a target site at which surgery or treatment isperformed, a display video with high definition and excellent visibilityis desired. In addition, since the size or state of an observationtarget can be grasped more accurately and easily by stereoscopic viewingof a target site, there is an increasing demand for a 3D video thatprovides a stereoscopic observed video to the observer. Particularly, ina surgical application of a fine site, a high-definition 3D video isrequired, but in the related art, such as PTL 1, there was a problemthat it is difficult to visually recognize the details of the observedvideo clearly. In addition, in order to generate a high-definition 3Dvideo required in the medical field, it is necessary to use twodifferent cameras for imaging an image for a left eye (left eye image)and an image for a right eye (right eye image) which have parallax.

Further, for example, in the medical camera system, when a display modeis switched such that the 2D video is displayed from a state where the3D video is displayed, it is required that the display of video issmoothly switched such that a doctor or the like continuously grasps thedetails of the situation of the target site (for example, an affectedpart of a human body). However, in reality, due to factors, such as thefollowing, delay time (that is, non-display time of the video) in unitsof several seconds occurs when switching from the display of the 3Dvideo to the display of the 2D video, and there was a case where it isdifficult to grasp the details of the situation of the target site (forexample, the affected part of the human body) for a certain period oftime or more. Specifically, in order to switch from the 3D mode of thevideo to the 2D mode, an operation for changing the display mode on themonitor side from the 3D mode to the 2D mode was necessary. Since theoperation is usually performed by a person, it takes a certain period oftime, and in accordance with the transmission format of the 3D video,for example, a delay time (that is, non-display time of the video) inunits of several seconds has occurred. Therefore, there was a case whereit is difficult to grasp the details of the situation of the target site(for example, the affected part of the human body) for a certain periodof time or more, and the convenience of the user (for example, anobserver, such as a doctor) is impaired. Factors to switch from thedisplay of the 3D video to the display of the 2D image are, for example,that the eyes become tired when viewing the 3D video all the time duringsurgery or examination, that the details of the affected part that canbe sufficiently grasped by the 2D video without the 3D video duringsurgery or examination is desired to be seen, and that it is desired tochange the setting to 2D rather than 3D after surgery or examination.Even with the related art as in PTL 1, in a case of switching from thedisplay of the 3D video to the display of the 2D video, it is stillnecessary to change the display mode on the monitor side from the 3Dmode to the 2D mode, and there is no consideration for technicalmeasures against the problem of impairing the convenience of the user(for example, an observer, such as a doctor) described above.

Here, in Embodiment 3 described below, in view of the above-describedsituation of the related art, an example of the image processingapparatus, the camera apparatus, and the output control method forsuppressing the deterioration of the convenience of the user generatedin accordance with the switching from the display of the 3D video to thedisplay of the 2D video and the switching of the display mode of thevideo in a state of maintaining the display mode of the 3D video withoutchanging the display mode on the monitor side from the 3D mode to the 2Dmode, will be described.

Embodiment 3

Since the internal configuration of each of the medical camera systemand the camera apparatus or the CCU of Embodiment 3 is the same as theinternal configuration of each of the medical camera system and cameraapparatus 20 or CCU 22 of Embodiment 1, the same configuration will begiven the same reference numerals and the description thereof will besimplified or omitted, and different contents will be described.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configurationexample of image processor 261C of camera apparatus 20 of Embodiment 3.Image processor 261C includes 4K video processor 264, 2K left parallaxvideo extractor 265, 2K right parallax video extractor 266, and videooutput switchers 267 and 268. In addition, when frame buffer FB1(memory) is provided in CCU 22, frame buffer FB1 (memory) may beprovided either on the inside or on the outside of image processor 261.

Since the internal configuration of image processor 261C in FIG. 16includes the same internal configurations as each of those of imageprocessor 261 in FIG. 6, the same reference numerals are given to thesame configurations and the description is simplified or omitted, anddifferent contents will be described.

Data of the 2K left parallax video generated by 2K left parallax videoextractor 265 is input to both of video output switchers 267 and 268. Inaddition, data of the 2K right parallax video generated by 2K rightparallax video extractor 266 is input to both of video output switchers267 and 268.

Here, as described above, when the display mode is switched such thatthe 2D video is displayed from the state where the 3D image isdisplayed, it is required that the display of video is smoothly switchedsuch that the user (for example, an observer, such as a doctor)continuously grasps the details of the situation of the target site (forexample, an affected part of a human body). However, in reality, delaytime (that is, non-display time of the video) in units of severalseconds occurs when switching from the display of the 3D video to thedisplay of the 2D video, and there was a case where it is difficult tograsp the details of the situation of the target site (for example, theaffected part of the human body) for a certain period of time or more.Specifically, in order to switch from the 3D mode of the video to the 2Dmode, an operation for changing the display mode on the monitor sidefrom the 3D mode to the 2D mode was necessary. Since the operation isusually performed by a person, it takes a certain period of time, and inaccordance with the transmission format of the 3D video (for example,HDMI (registered trademark) or SDI), for example, a delay time (that is,non-display time of the video) in units of several seconds has occurred.Therefore, there was a case where it is difficult to grasp the detailsof the situation of the target site (for example, the affected part ofthe human body) for a certain period of time or more, and theconvenience of the user (for example, an observer, such as a doctor) isimpaired. Therefore, as a result of the temporary interruption of thedisplay of the video by the user (for example, an observer, such as adoctor) during surgery or examination, there is a time zone in which thestate of the affected part cannot be grasped, and since it was necessaryto perform the operation of changing the display mode of the monitor,usability is not excellent.

Here, in Embodiment 3, for example, when switching from the 3D mode tothe 2D mode, image processor 261C of CCU 22 does not change andmaintains the transmission format at the time of transmitting(outputting) the 3D video to monitor 30, and changes the data of thetransmission target from the 2K left parallax video and the 2K rightparallax video which configure the 3D video to only one of the 2K leftparallax video and the 2K right parallax video that become the 2D video.Accordingly, since there is no need to change the transmission format,it is unnecessary to change the display mode on monitor 30 side from the3D mode to the 2D mode, and in a state where the display mode on monitor30 side is maintained in the 3D mode, a pseudo 2D video can bedisplayed. Therefore, a problem that it becomes impossible to grasp thedetails of the situation of the target site (for example, the affectedpart of the human body) for a certain period of time or more, whichoccurred in accordance with the switching of the display mode of thevideo, is eliminated, and the above-described usability of the user (forexample, an observer, such as a doctor) is improved.

Video output switcher 267 (one example of the output controller)switches the video signal output and outputs the 2D left parallax videoof 2K pixels from the 2K left parallax video extractor 265, the 2D rightparallax video of 2K pixels from the 2K right parallax video extractor266, or the video signal of the 2D video of 4K pixels from 4K videoprocessor 264 via channel CH1 (one example of the first channel). In acase of switching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode, the video outputswitcher 267 outputs the 2D left parallax video of 2K pixels from the 2Kleft parallax video extractor 265. In a case of switching from the 3Dmode to the 2D mode, video output switcher 267 outputs the 2D leftparallax video of 2K pixels from the 2K left parallax video extractor265 or the 2D right parallax video of 2K pixels from 2K right parallaxvideo extractor 266. In addition, in the output mode of the 2D video of4K pixels, video output switcher 267 outputs the video signal of the 2Dvideo of 4K pixels from 4K video processor 264.

Video output switcher 268 (one example of the output controller)switches the video signal output and outputs the 2D left parallax videoof 2K pixels from the 2K left parallax video extractor 265, the 2D rightparallax video of 2K pixels from the 2K right parallax video extractor266, or the video signal of the 2D video of 4K pixels from 4K videoprocessor 264 via channel CH2 (one example of the second channel). In acase of switching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode, the video outputswitcher 268 outputs the 2D right parallax video of 2K pixels from the2K right parallax video extractor 266. In a case of switching from the3D mode to the 2D mode, video output switcher 268 outputs the 2D leftparallax video of 2K pixels from the 2K left parallax video extractor265 or the 2D right parallax video of 2K pixels from 2K right parallaxvideo extractor 266. In addition, in the output mode of the 2D video of4K pixels, video output switcher 268 outputs the video signal of the 2Dvideo of 4K pixels from 4K video processor 264.

In addition, in a case of outputting the 2D video of 4K pixels in theoutput mode of the 2D video of 4K pixels, the video signal may be outputto both of video output 1 of channel CH1 and video output 2 of channelCH2, or the video signal may be output to only one of video output 1 andvideo output 2. Further, the 2D video of 4K pixels may be output toeither one of channel CH1 and channel CH2, and 2D video of 2K pixels maybe output to the other.

FIG. 17A is an explanatory view illustrating a transmission example ofthe left eye image and the right eye image in the 3D mode. FIG. 17B isan explanatory view illustrating a transmission example of the left eyeimage and the right eye image after switching from the 3D mode to the 2Dmode. In FIGS. 17A and 17B, imaging surface CAP1 is an imaging surfaceof a so-called bottom view (that is, when the object side is viewed fromthe imaging surface side).

In FIG. 17A, image processor 261C of CCU 22 outputs 2K left parallaxvideo IMGL1 of extraction range LFC4 imaged on imaging surface CAP1 ofthe image sensor (capture 213) of camera head 21 to monitor 30 viachannel CH1. In addition, image processor 261C of CCU 22 outputs 2Kright parallax video IMGR1 of extraction range RGC4 imaged on imagingsurface CAP1 of the image sensor (capture 213) of camera head 21 tomonitor 30 via channel CH2. Accordingly, when 2K left parallax videoIMGL1 and 2K right parallax video IMGR1 are projected to monitor 30, thevideos are combined with each other and displayed as 3D video IMG1.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 17B, when switching from the 3D mode to the 2D mode,image processor 261C of CCU 22 outputs 2K left parallax video IMGL2 ofextraction range LFC4 imaged on imaging surface CAP1 of the image sensor(capture 213) of camera head 21 to monitor 30 via both of channel CH1and channel CH2. Accordingly, both of 2K left parallax video IMGL2 and2K right parallax video IMGR2 having parallax on the left and rightsides are not output to monitor 30, and only one (in this case, 2K leftparallax video IMGL2) is projected to monitor 30, and thus, 2D videoIMG2 is displayed in a pseudo manner while the transmission format ofthe 3D video is not changed. In addition, in FIG. 17B, an example inwhich 2K left parallax video IMGL2 is output to monitor 30 via both ofchannel CH1 and channel CH2 has been described, but it is needless tosay that 2K right parallax video IMGR2 may be output to monitor 30 viaboth of channel CH1 and channel CH2.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for describing an operational procedure exampleof camera apparatus 20 of Embodiment 3. The processing in FIG. 18 isstarted at the time when the processing of step S41 (that is, theprocessing of switching from the 3D mode to the 2D mode) occursinterruptively.

In FIG. 18, CPU 262 of CCU 22 determines whether or not the switchingsignal from the 3D mode to the 2D mode has been acquired (S41). In acase where the switching signal has not been acquired (S41, NO), thecurrent mode (for example, the 3D mode) is maintained. In response tothe signal that notifies the current mode from CPU 262, image processor261C performs each processing of steps S18 and S19 of FIG. 12 or eachprocessing of steps S21 to S23 (S42).

Image processor 261C outputs the 2K left parallax video from channel CH1and outputs the 2K right parallax video from channel CH2 or outputs the3D video combined in step S22 from either channel CH1 or channel CH2 orfrom both of channel CH1 and channel CH2 (S43). In step S43, the videooutput via each of the channels is projected to monitor 30 (S44), andthe 3D video is read by the user (for example, an observer, such as adoctor).

Meanwhile, in a case where the switching signal has been acquired (S41,YES), by using, for example, the 2K left parallax video (one example ofthe left eye image), image processor 261C generates the data(specifically, two 2K left parallax videos) of the 3D video thatconforms to the 3D transmission format and be transmitted (S45). Withoutchanging the 3D transmission format, image processor 261C outputs thedata of the 3D video generated in step S45 to monitor 30 by using bothof channel CH1 and channel CH2 (S46). In step S46, the video output viaeach of the channels is projected to monitor 30 (S47), and the 3D videothat conforms to the 3D transmission format and is sent is read by theuser as a pseudo 2D video (for example, an observer, such as a doctor).

Above, in the medical camera system of Embodiment 3, CCU 22 is connectedto camera head 21 which can perform the imaging on the imaging surfaceof one screen of the 2K left parallax video (one example of the left eyeimage) and 2K right parallax video (one example of the right eye image)having parallax based on the light of the target site incident onsurgical microscope 10 (one example of the optical instrument). Inaddition, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 performs thesignal processing of the left eye image and the right eye image whichare imaged by camera head 21, and outputs the left eye image and theright eye image to which the signal processing is performed to monitor30 via each of channel CH1 (one example of the first channel) andchannel CH2 (one example of the second channel). In addition, inresponse to the switching from the 3D mode to the 2D mode, CCU 22 orcamera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 outputs one of the left eye imageand the right eye image to which the signal processing is performed tomonitor 30 via each of channel CH1 and channel CH2.

Accordingly, when changing from the display of the 3D video to thedisplay of the 2D video, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22does not change and maintains the transmission format of the 3D video,and transmits at least one of the 2K left parallax video and 2K leftparallax video which configures the 3D video to monitor 30. In otherwords, since there is no need to change the transmission format, it isunnecessary to perform an operation of changing the display mode onmonitor 30 side from the 3D mode to the 2D mode, and in a state wherethe display mode on monitor 30 side is maintained in the 3D mode, apseudo 2D video can be displayed. Therefore, CCU 22 or camera apparatus20 including CCU 22 can eliminate a problem that it becomes impossibleto grasp the details of the situation of the target site (for example,the affected part of the human body) for a certain period of time ormore, which occurred in accordance with the switching of the displaymode of the video, and the above-described usability of the user (forexample, an observer, such as a doctor) is improved. In addition, it ispossible to image and output a high definition 3D video of 2K pixelswith one camera head 21 and CCU 22, and to project the target sitestereographically and with high definition.

In addition, since one CCU 22 can cope with imaging output of 2D videoof 4K pixels and imaging output of 3D video of 2K pixels, the disclosurecan be applied to various observation video applications.

Further, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 displays the 2Dvideo on monitor 30 in a pseudo manner in the 2D mode based on one ofthe left eye image and the right eye image output to monitor 30 via bothof channel CH1 and channel CH2. Accordingly, only by displaying any oneof the 2K left parallax video or the 2K right parallax video on monitor30, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 can suppress thegeneration of display delay time that is supposed to be generated whenswitching from the 3D mode to the 2D mode as much as possible, and cansimply display the 2D video in the 2D mode.

In addition, the switching from the 3D mode to the 2D mode is input bythe operation of the user. Accordingly, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20including CCU 22 can easily detect the switching from the 3D mode to the2D mode by a simple operation of the user.

Further, in the 3D mode, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22includes distance measuring circuit 291 (one example of distancemeasurer) which measures distance L (refer to FIG. 19) from surgicalendoscope 110 (one example of optical instrument) to an observationtarget site based on the parallax Δ (refer to FIG. 23) appearing in theleft eye image and the right eye image which are imaged by camera head21. CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 outputs the result measured bydistance measuring circuit 291 (that is, information on the distance) tomonitor 130 (refer to FIG. 19) together with the left eye image and theright eye image to which the signal processing is performed.Accordingly, the user (for example, an observer, such as a doctor) canvisually grasp the situation of the observation target site projected tomonitor 130, can grasp the specific distance information from surgicalendoscope 110 (refer to FIG. 19) to the observation target site, and cansupport the guidance of the next medical practice by the user at thetime of surgery or examination.

In addition, in response to the switching from the 3D mode to the 2Dmode, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 interrupts theoutput of the information on the distance to monitor 130. Accordingly,in the 2D mode, neither the left and right 2K left parallax video havingparallax nor the 2K right parallax video is input to distance measuringcircuit 291, and thus, the information on the distance is not displayedon monitor 130. Therefore, the user (for example, an observer, such as adoctor) can easily recognize that the present is the 2D mode by the factthat the information on the distance is not displayed on monitor 130,and on the other hand, the user can easily recognize that the present isthe 3D mode by the fact that the information on the distance isdisplayed on monitor 130.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, surgical microscope 10is exemplified as an example of the optical instrument, but surgicalendoscope 110 may be applied. Next, a configuration of the surgicalendoscope system to which operation endoscope 110 is applied will bedescribed as an example of an optical instrument with reference to FIGS.19 and 20.

FIG. 19 is a system configuration view illustrating a configurationexample in which the medical camera system including the cameraapparatus of each of the embodiments is applied to the surgicalendoscope system. The surgical endoscope system includes surgicalendoscope 110, camera apparatus 120, monitor 130, and light sourcedevice 131. Camera apparatus 120 is similar to camera apparatus 20illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, and is configured to include camera head121 and CCU 122.

Surgical endoscope 110 is a stereoscopic endoscope, and includesobjective lenses 201 R and 201 L, relay lenses 202R and 202L, andimaging lenses 203R and 203L, as an observation optical system providedin elongated insertion portion 111 so as to correspond to the left andright eyes of the observer. Surgical endoscope 110 includes camerainstaller 115 provided on the proximal side of the observation opticalsystem and light source installer 117, and is provided with light guide204 that guides the illumination light from light source installer 117to the distal end portion of insertion portion 111. By installingimaging lens portion 123 of camera head 121 to camera installer 115 andperforming the imaging, it is possible to acquire an observation videofor stereoscopic vision in camera apparatus 120. Light guide cable 116is connected to light source installer 117, and light source device 131is connected via light guide cable 116.

Camera head 121 and CCU 122 are connected to each other by signal cable125, and video signal for the 3D video of the subject imaged by camerahead 121 is transmitted to CCU 122 via signal cable 125. Monitor 130 isconnected to the output terminal of CCU 122, and two left and rightvideo outputs 1 and 2 for the 3D display are output. On monitor 130, the3D video of 2K pixels is displayed as an observation video of the targetsite.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating an external appearance example of thesurgical endoscope system of each of the embodiments. In surgicalendoscope 110, camera installer 115 is provided on the proximal side ofinsertion portion 111, and imaging lens portion 123 of camera head 121is installed. Light source installer 117 is provided on the proximalside portion of insertion portion 111, and light guide cable 116 isconnected thereto. An operation switch is provided in camera head 121,and it is possible to perform an operation (freeze, release, image scan,and the like) of the observed video to be imaged at the hand of theuser. The surgical endoscope system includes recorder 132 for recordingthe observed video imaged by camera apparatus 120, operation unit 133for operating the surgical endoscope system, and foot switch 137 forperforming the operation input by the foot of the observer, andoperation unit 133, CCU 122, light source device 131, and recorder 132are stored in control unit housing 135. Monitor 130 is disposed abovecontrol unit housing 135.

In this manner, in the configuration of the surgical endoscope systemillustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, similar to the configuration of theabove-described medical camera system, from the left and right parallaximages of the target site acquired by surgical endoscope 110, it ispossible to generate and output each of the left parallax video and theright parallax video of 2K pixels, and to display the 3D video of 2Kpixels on monitor 130.

Embodiment 4

In Embodiment 4, an example of the surgical endoscope system which iscapable of measuring distance L from the optical instrument (forexample, the distal end of the insertion portion of surgical endoscope110 illustrated in FIG. 19) to the observation target site (that is,subject 40) and displaying the distance measurement result on monitor130, in the 3D mode, will be described. Since the configuration of thesurgical endoscope system has been described with reference to FIGS. 19and 20, the description of the same contents will be simplified oromitted, and different contents will be described.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configurationexample of image processor 271 of camera apparatus 20 of Embodiment 4.Similar to image processor 261 illustrated in FIG. 6, image processor271 includes 4K video processor 264, 2K left parallax video extractor265, and 2K right parallax video extractor 266, and includes 3D videocombiner 272, distance measuring circuit 291, video output switchers 273and 274, display element generator 292, and superimposition controllers293 and 294.

In response to the switching signal from the 2D mode to the 3D mode, 2Kleft parallax video extractor 265 outputs the 2K left parallax videowhich configures the 3D video to 3D video combiner 272, video outputswitcher 273, and distance measuring circuit 291, respectively. Inresponse to the switching signal from the 3D mode to the 2D mode, the 2Kleft parallax video extractor 265 interrupts the output of at least the2K left parallax video which configures the 3D video to distancemeasuring circuit 291.

In response to the switching signal from the 2D mode to the 3D mode, 2Kright parallax video extractor 266 outputs the 2K right parallax videowhich configures the 3D video to 3D video combiner 272, video outputswitcher 274, and distance measuring circuit 291, respectively. Inresponse to the switching signal from the 3D mode to the 2D mode, the 2Kright parallax video extractor 266 interrupts the output of at least the2K right parallax video which configures the 3D video to distancemeasuring circuit 291.

3D image combiner 272 performs combining processing of the 3D leftparallax video from the output of 2K left parallax video extractor 265and the 3D right parallax video from the output of 2K right parallaxvideo extractor 266, and generates the 3D video of HD resolution (3D(normal)). The combining processing of the 3D video can be performed byusing video conversion processing (3D visualization processing) thatcorresponds to various transmission methods of the 3D video, such as aside-by-side method in which the left parallax video and the rightparallax video are adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction,or a line by line method in which the left parallax video and the rightparallax video are disposed for each line.

The video output switchers 273 and 274 switch the output of the videosignal, and outputs the video signal of the 3D video (3D (FHD)) of 2Kpixels, the 3D video of HD resolution (3D (normal)), or the 2D video of4K pixels (2D (4K)). In a case of outputting the 3D video (3D (FHD)) of2K pixels, the video signal of the 3D left parallax video is output asvideo output 1 of channel CH1 and the video signal of the 3D rightparallax video is output as video output 2 of channel CH2. In a case ofoutputting the 2D video (2D (4K)) of 4K pixels or the 3D video (3D(normal)) of HD resolution, the video signal may be output to both ofvideo output 1 of channel CH1 and video output 2 of channel CH2, or thevideo signal may be output to only one of video output 1 of channel CH1and video output 2 of channel CH2.

In the 3D mode, distance measuring circuit 291 (one example of thedistance measurer) measures distance L (refer to FIG. 19) from surgicalendoscope 110 to the observation target site based on the parallax Δ(refer to FIG. 23) appearing in the 2K left parallax video from 2K leftparallax video extractor 265 and the 2K right parallax video from 2Kright parallax video extractor 266. Distance measuring circuit 291outputs the measurement result (that is, information on distance L fromsurgical endoscope 110 to the observation target site) to CPU 262.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory view illustrating each of an arrangementexample of objective lens 201L for the left eye image and objective lens201R for the right eye image and an example of marker MK1 designated on3D image CPIM3 displayed on monitor 130. FIG. 23 is an explanatory viewof the parallax Δ appearing in the left eye image and the right eyeimage in accordance with the position of designated marker MK1.

In FIG. 22, baseline length D between objective lens 201L for forming animage of the subject light on imaging surface IGA of the image sensor(capture 213) of camera head 121 for imaging the left eye image (thatis, the 2K left parallax video) and objective lens 201R for forming animage of the subject light on the imaging surface of the image sensor(capture 213) of camera head 121 for imaging the right eye image (thatis, the 2K right parallax video) is a default value. The baseline lengthD corresponds to the distance between axial line 201LC that passesthrough the lens center of objective lens 201L and axial line 201RC thatpasses through the lens center of objective lens 201R. In addition, inorder to simplify the description of Embodiment 4, focal length f ofobjective lenses 201L and 201R will be described as the distance fromthe principal points (not illustrated) of each of objective lenses 201Land 201R to imaging surface IGA.

Here, it is assumed that marker MK1 is displayed at the positiondesignated by the operation of the user (for example, an observer, suchas a doctor) on 3D image CPIM3 which configures the 3D video projectedto monitor 130. Position ZC1 indicates the center position of markerMK1, and dotted line MKC is a line that passes through the centerposition of marker MK1 and is provided for describing parallax Δ.

In the uppermost stage of FIG. 23, 3D image CPIM3 is illustrated, themiddle stage of FIG. 23 illustrates left eye image LCPIM2 whichconfigures the 2K left parallax video, and the lowermost stage of FIG.23 illustrates right eye image RCPIM2 which configures the 2K rightparallax video. 3D image CPIM3 is stereoscopically displayed as left eyeimage LCPIM2 and right eye image RCPIM2 which have the parallax Δ andare obtained by the imaging of the same subject are projected to monitor130. In addition, dotted lines MKL and MKR are lines that pass througheach of the center positions of marker MK1 on left eye image LCPIM2 andmarker MK1 on right eye image RCIPM2, and are provided for thedescription of the parallax Δ.

Here, in a case where marker MK1 is displayed at the position designatedby the operation of the user (for example, an observer, such as adoctor), the parallax Δ between left eye image LCPIM2 and right eyeimage RCPIM2 corresponds to the sum of distance Δ1 from position ZC1indicating the center of marker MK1 on 3D image CPIM3 to position ZL1indicating the center of marker MK1 on left eye image LCPIM2 anddistance Δ2 from position ZC1 indicating the center of marker MK1 on 3Dimage CPIM3 and position ZR1 indicating the center of marker MK1 onright eye image RCPIM2. In other words, the equation (1) is established.

Equation 1

Δ=Δ1+Δ2  (1)

In other words, parallax Δ corresponds to a difference between distanceLX from center position ZLC of left eye image LCPIM2 to the position ZL1indicating the center of marker MK1 and distance RX from center positionZRC of right eye image RCPIM2 to position ZR1 indicating the center ofmarker MK1.

Therefore, in the 3D mode, distance measuring circuit 291 derivesdistance L (refer to FIG. 19) from surgical endoscope 110 to theobservation target site based on the parallax Δ (refer to FIG. 23)appearing in the 2K left parallax video from 2K left parallax videoextractor 265 and the 2K right parallax video from 2K right parallaxvideo extractor 266, in accordance with the equation (2).

Equation 2

L=f×D/A  (2)

In the 3D mode, when display element generator 292 acquires aninstruction to display the measurement result of distance measuringcircuit 291 on monitor 130 by CPU 262, display element generator 292generates the data of a display element (for example, refer to icon DSIof the distance result illustrated in FIG. 24) that corresponds to themeasurement result of distance measuring circuit 291, and outputs thegenerated data to superimposition controllers 293 and 294, respectively.

In the 3D mode, superimposition controller 293 (one example of theoutput controller) outputs the data of the display element from thedisplay element generator 292 on monitor 130 via channel CH1 afterperforming superimposition processing with respect to the output video(output image) from video output switcher 273.

In the 3D mode, superimposition controller 294 (one example of theoutput controller) outputs the data of the display element from displayelement generator 292 on monitor 130 via channel CH1 after performingsuperimposition processing with respect to the output video (outputimage) from video output switcher 274.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory view illustrating a display example ofdistance L from the distal end of surgical endoscope 110 to subject 40.In the upper stage of FIG. 24, 3D image CPIM3 displayed on monitor 130is illustrated in the 3D mode, and the 2D image (for example, left eyeimage LCPIM2) displayed on monitor 130 in the 2D mode is illustrated inthe lower stage of FIG. 24.

In the 2D mode, when switching from the 2D mode to the 3D mode by theoperation of the user (for example, an observer, such as a doctor), CCU22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 measures distance L fromsurgical endoscope 110 to subject 40 indicated by marker MK1. As aresult, icon DS1 indicating the distance measurement result of distanceL (for example, L=30 mm) is displayed at a predetermined position onmonitor 130 (for example, the upper left end portion of monitor 130).

Meanwhile, in the 3D mode, when switching from the 2D mode to the 3Dmode by the operation of the user (for example, an observer, such as adoctor), CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 does not displayicon DS1 indicating the distance measurement result of distance L (forexample L=30 mm). This is because, in the 2D mode, since neither lefteye image LCPIM2 nor right eye image is input to distance measuringcircuit 291, it is not possible to derive the distance to subject 40.

Above, in the surgical endoscope system of Embodiment 4, in the 3D mode,CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 includes distancemeasuring circuit 291 (one example of distance measurer) which measuresdistance L (refer to FIG. 19) from surgical endoscope 110 (one exampleof optical instrument) to the observation target site based on theparallax Δ (refer to FIG. 23) appearing in the left eye image and theright eye image which are imaged by camera head 21. CCU 22 or cameraapparatus 20 outputs the result measured by distance measuring circuit291 (that is, information on the distance) to monitor 130 (refer to FIG.19) together with the left eye image and the right eye image to whichthe signal processing is performed. Accordingly, the user (for example,an observer, such as a doctor) can visually grasp the situation of theobservation target site projected to monitor 130, can grasp the specificdistance information from surgical endoscope 110 (refer to FIG. 19) tothe observation target site, and can support the guidance of the nextmedical practice by the user at the time of surgery or examination.

In addition, in response to the switching from the 3D mode to the 2Dmode, CCU 22 or camera apparatus 20 including CCU 22 interrupts theoutput of the information on the distance to monitor 130. Accordingly,in the 2D mode, neither the left and right 2K left parallax video havingparallax nor the 2K right parallax video is input to distance measuringcircuit 291, and thus, the information on the distance is not displayedon monitor 130. Therefore, the user (for example, an observer, such as adoctor) can easily recognize that the present is the 2D mode by the factthat the information on the distance is not displayed on monitor 130,and on the other hand, the user can easily recognize that the present isthe 3D mode by the fact that the information on the distance isdisplayed on monitor 130.

Above, while various embodiments have been described with reference tothe drawings, it is needless to say that the disclosure is not limitedto the examples. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variousmodification examples or modification examples can be conceived withinthe scope described in the claims and understand that the examplesnaturally fall within the technical scope of the disclosure. Further,within the scope not departing from the gist of the disclosure, each ofthe configuration elements in the above-described embodiment may becombined in any manner.

In addition, in Embodiment 4, according to the equation (1), regardingdistance L from surgical endoscope 110 to the observation target site(that is, subject 40), the distance measurement of the same distance Lcan be realized when fixing and imaging an angle of view (that is,zooming magnification in the observation optical system in surgicalendoscope 110) of surgical endoscope 110. Here, the correspondencerelationship between the distance to subject 40 that serves as areference and the angle of view (that is, zoom magnification) ofsurgical endoscope 110 that serves as a reference is prepared in advanceas a table and stored in image processor 271 or CPU 262 in advance. In acase where the value of the distance derived according to the equation(1) is different from the distance that serves as the reference, imageprocessor 271 corrects derived distance L by using a coefficient thatcorresponds to a ratio between the current zoom magnification and thereference angle of view (zoom magnification that serves as thereference) defined in the table. When the zoom magnification is changed,focal length f is changed, and according to the equation (1), distance Lalso changes. For example, in a case where the zoom magnification is 1and distance L is 2 cm, when the zoom magnification is doubled, focallength f doubles and distance L also doubles to 4 cm. However, sincedistance L measured in Embodiment 4 is the distance from the distal endof the insertion portion of surgical endoscope 110 to subject 40,practically, distance L becomes wrong when the distance reaches 4 cm.Therefore, in a case where the zoom magnification is changed, it isnecessary to correct distance L obtained by the equation (1) by usingthe coefficient that corresponds to the change ratio of the zoommagnification described above.

In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, a case wherethe 2K left parallax video and the 2K right parallax video whichconfigure the 3D video are extracted and output from the 2D image having4K resolution has been described, but it is needless to say that CCU 22may extract and output, for example, the 4K left parallax video and the4K right parallax video which configure the 3D video from the 2D videohaving the pixel number that corresponds to 8K resolution.

The disclosure is advantageous as an image processing apparatus, acamera apparatus, and an output control method for suppressing thedeterioration of the convenience of the user generated in accordancewith the switching from the display of the 3D video to the display ofthe 2D video and the switching of the display mode of the video in astate of maintaining the display mode of the 3D video without performingan operation for changing the display mode on the monitor side from the3D mode to the 2D mode.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image processing apparatus which is connected to a camera head capable of imaging a left eye image and a right eye image having parallax on one screen based on light at a target site incident on an optical instrument, the apparatus comprising: an image processor that performs signal processing of the left eye image and the right eye image which are imaged by the camera head; and an output controller that outputs the left eye image and the right eye image on which the signal processing is performed to a monitor via each of a first channel and a second channel, wherein the output controller outputs one of the left eye image and the right eye image on which the signal processing is performed to the monitor via each of the first channel and the second channel in accordance with switching from a 3D mode to a 2D mode.
 2. The image processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the output controller displays the 2D video on the monitor in a pseudo manner in a 2D mode based on one of the left eye image and the right eye image output to the monitor via the first channel and the second channel.
 3. The image processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the switching from the 3D mode to the 2D mode is input by a user operation.
 4. The image processing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a distance measurer that measures a distance from the optical instrument to the target site based on the parallax appearing in the left eye image and the right eye image which are imaged by the camera head in the 3D mode, wherein the output controller outputs the information on the distance to the monitor together with the left eye image and the right eye image on which the signal processing is performed.
 5. The image processing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the output controller interrupts an output of the information on the distance to the monitor in response to switching from the 3D mode to the 2D mode.
 6. A camera apparatus comprising: a camera head capable of imaging a left eye image and a right eye image having parallax on one screen based on light at a target site incident on an optical instrument; an image processor that performs signal processing of the left eye image and the right eye image which are imaged by the camera head; and an output controller that outputs the left eye image and the right eye image on which the signal processing is performed to a monitor via each of a first channel and a second channel, wherein the output controller outputs one of the left eye image and the right eye image on which the signal processing is performed to the monitor via each of the first channel and the second channel in accordance with switching from a 3D mode to a 2D mode.
 7. An output control method in which an image processing apparatus which is connected to a camera head capable of imaging a left eye image and a right eye image having parallax on one screen based on light at a target site incident on an optical instrument is used, the method comprising: performing signal processing of the left eye image and the right eye image which are imaged by the camera head; and outputting the left eye image and the right eye image on which the signal processing is performed to a monitor via each of a first channel and a second channel; and outputting one of the left eye image and the right eye image on which the signal processing is performed to the monitor via each of the first channel and the second channel in accordance with switching from a 3D mode to a 2D mode. 